“There are a good many such dollar-lined paradises in London,” said Hurstmanceaux. “I’d rather you didn’t go into them. But, of course, you do as you like.” “Of course I do! Old Khris arranged the house for them.” Hurstmanceaux laughed. “Khris and you! They will be warm people indeed if they have even a _paire pour le soif_ left for themselves between you two. Poor devils! I think I’ll go and give them the lay of the course.” “My dear Ronnie! How absurd you are. If anybody heard you they might think you were in earnest.” Hurstmanceaux looked at his sister with a shrewd, appreciative scorn in his eyes. “They might,” he said gravely. “I am usually in earnest, my dear.” “I know you are and it is a horrid thing to be,” she replied with petulance. “Earnest people are always such bores.” Then, remembering that she would not produce the effect she desired by abusing him, she changed her tone. “Dearest Ronald, these persons are coming here to-morrow night. Let me present them to you; and if you would but say a good word for them in the world----” He was silent. “I think, you know,” she murmured softly, “that as they bought Gerald’s place they naturally rather look to us all to make things pleasant for them.” Hurstmanceaux put the white small ringed finger off his coat with a gesture which had sternness in it. “My dear child, you are Delilah to all men born of Adam; but not to me, not to me, my child, because you are my sister. The Lord be praised for His mercies! If you had not been my sister I should have had no strength against you probably. As it is, I won’t keep bad company, my dear, even to please you.” “Bad company! They are most estimable people.” “I am happy to hear so, since you let them in here.” “But everybody is going to know them.” “Then why should you care about my knowing them too?” “That is just----” began his sister, and paused, scanning the little mouse embroidered on her handkerchief. “Take your eyes off that bit of gossamer and look at me,” said Hurstmanceaux severely. “You do this kind of thing. Cocky does it. You make Gerald do it. But I’ll be damned, my dear, if you make me.” She was mute, distressed, irritated, not seeing very well what to say or resent. “Get up a firm with old Khris,” continued her brother; “Khris and Kenilworth; it will run very nicely and take the town like wildfire; I am convinced that it will; but Hurstmanceaux as ‘Co.’--no thank you.” “You don’t even hear me,” said his sister rather piteously.