George's mood changed immediately. Profound discouragement succeeded to his creative stimulation. Mr. Enwright had reason on his side. What _could_ you expect from a fellow like Corver? With all the ardour of a disciple George dismissed the town hall scheme, and simultaneously his private woes surged up and took full possession of him. He walked silently out of the room, and Lucas followed. As a fact, Mr. Enwright ought not to have talked in such a way before the pupils. A question of general policy should first have been discussed in private between the partners, and the result then formally announced to the staff. Mr. Enwright was not treating his partner with proper consideration. But Mr. Enwright, as every one said at intervals, was 'like that'; and his partner did not seem to care greatly. Lucas shut the door between the principals' room and the pupils' room. "I say," said Lucas importantly. "I've got a show on to-night. Women. Café Royal. I want a fourth. You must come." "Yes," sneered George. "And what about my exam., I should like to know.... Besides, I can't." The Final was due to begin on Thursday. "That's all right," Lucas answered, with tact. "That's all right. I'd thought of the exam., of course. You'll have to-morrow to recover. It'll do you all the good in the world. And you know you're more than ready for the thing. You don't want to be overtrained, my son. Besides, you'll sail through it. As for 'can't,' 'can't' be damned. You've got to." A telegraph boy, after hesitating at the empty cubicle, came straight into the room. "Name of Cannon?" George nodded, trembling. The telegram read: "Impossible to-day.--MARGUERITE." It was an incredible telegram, as much by what it said as by what it didn't say. It overthrew George. "Seven forty-five, and I'll drive you round," said Lucas. "Tis well," said George. Immediately afterwards Mr. Enwright summoned Lucas. IV