"We must not stay a moment," declared Lady Thurwell, shaking hands. "No, we won't sit down, thanks! You know why we've called? It's about the opera to-night. You got my note?" "I did, Lady Thurwell, and I can trustfully say that I never read one from you with more regret." "Then you have an engagement?" "Unfortunately, yes! I am dining at Downing Street." "Well, we must send for that schoolboy cousin of yours, Helen!" said Lady Thurwell, laughing. "You see how dependent we are upon your sex, after all. Why, is that really you, Mr. Maddison!" she broke off suddenly, as a tall figure emerged a little out of the gloom. "Fancy meeting you here! I had no idea that you and Sir Allan Beaumerville were friends. Helen, do you see Mr. Maddison?" "I can't say that I do," she answered, with a low happy laugh; "but I'm very glad he's here!" The lights were brought in as she finished her little speech, and they all looked at one another. Lady Thurwell broke into a little laugh. "Really, this is a singular meeting," she said, "but we mustn't stop a moment. Mr. Maddison, we were hoping to see you yesterday afternoon. Do come soon!" He bowed with a faint smile upon his lips. "Come out to the carriage with us, please, Mr. Maddison," Helen said to him in a low tone as Lady Thurwell turned to go; and he walked down the hall between them and out on to the pavement, leaving Sir Allan on the steps. "You will come and dine with me soon, won't you, Mr. Maddison?" Lady Thurwell asked him, as she touched his hand stepping into the brougham. "I will come whenever you ask me!" he answered rashly. "Then come now!" said Helen quickly. "We are all alone for the evening, fancy that, and we can't go out anywhere because we haven't an escort. Do come!" He looked at Lady Thurwell. "It will be a real charity if you will," she said, smiling graciously. "We shall be bored to death alone." "I shall be delighted," he answered at once. "About eight o'clock, I suppose?" "Half-past seven, please, and we'll have a long evening," said Helen. "That will give you time to get to your club and dress. Good-by!" They drove off, and Mr. Bernard Brown walked swiftly away toward Pall Mall. Once he stopped in the middle of the pavement and broke into an odd little laugh. It was a curious position to be in. He was expecting every moment to be arrested for murder, and he was going out to dine. CHAPTER XXII "GOD FORBID IT!"