"Oh, yes, my lord. I remember you when I was quite a little child." "And now," he said, "I am getting to be an old man, and you have grown into a beautiful woman. Will you--do not be alarmed; no one can see-- will you accept this little offering from so old a friend, and wear it for his sake?" He held out the lustrous necklace as he spoke, believing that they were quite unseen; but it was not so, for Colonel Mellersh said softly to Linnell: "There, Dick, what did I tell you?" "Lord Carboro'," said Claire, with quiet dignity, "I could only take so valuable a jewel from--from--" "A very dear friend, my child. Let me be that friend." She looked at him searchingly, and then dropped her eyes, saying nothing, but drawing back with a slight gesture that was unmistakable, and glided away. "The mentor is not always right, Colonel Mellersh," said Richard Linnell quietly. "I feel as if I had been playing the spy, but I do not regret it, from the effect it must have on you." "Egad, she's a very queen," said Lord Carboro', as he quietly took out his snuff-box, and dropped the necklet into his pocket. "By George, sir, I never thought there was such a woman in the world." The conversation was at its height, and Claire twice over managed to intercept Sir Harry when he was approaching her sister, but only to be snubbed for her pains by May. She was conscious that Rockley was seeking an opportunity to approach her, but she gave him none, her position as hostess giving her plenty of chances for avoiding those she did not wish to meet, in attending and introducing others. "Hang the girl! she's a regular sorceress," said Colonel Mellersh to himself. "She'll end by charming me. I want a game at cards, and if I leave Dick, he'll be hanging on to her strings directly." "Well, mother, are you satisfied?" said Cora, as the evening went by. "Satisfied? Oh, I don't mind, my dear, so long as you get on. And you are, you know, sitting here among the big people, I say, Cory, I am proud of you." "That's right, mother." "But I say, what did Colonel Mellersh say to you as he went to the card-table?" "Asked me, as any gentleman would, whether he should take me down to have some refreshment." "Well, that was kind and neighbourly. I rather like him, but I do wish you wouldn't encourage that young Linnell so." "Mother!" "There, I've done. I won't say another word. Don't fly out at me here. Now, that is a man to admire." "What, Mr Richard Linnell?" "No: stuff, Cory. You know who I mean--that Major Rockley. I couldn't hear a word he said to you. I wouldn't, for I don't like to stand in your way. I say, Cory, he'll be a Colonel and a General some day. Why not him?" "Would you like to know what he said to me, mother?" "Yes; he did quite make love to you, didn't he?" "Yes." "Hah, I thought so." Mrs Dean's rings crackled as she rubbed her hands, and metaphorically hugged herself.