“I know, Bill, I know. And I simply love being loved. Isn’t it wicked and dreadful of me? I should like every nice man in the world to be in love with me.” “Most of them are, I expect,” said Bill gloomily. “But I hope George isn’t in love with me. I don’t think he can be. He’s so wedded to his career. What else did he say?” “Just that it was very important.” “Bill, I’m getting intrigued. The things that George thinks important are so awfully limited. I think I must chuck Ranelagh. After all, I can go to Ranelagh any day. Tell George that I shall be awaiting him meekly at four o’clock.” Bill looked at his wrist watch. “It seems hardly worth while to go back before lunch. Come out and chew something, Virginia.” “I’m going out to lunch somewhere or other.” “That doesn’t matter. Make a day of it, and chuck everything all round.” “It would be rather nice,” said Virginia, smiling at him. “Virginia, you’re a darling. Tell me, you do like me rather, don’t you? Better than other people.” “Bill, I adore you. If I had to marry some one—simply had to—I mean if it was in a book and a wicked mandarin said to me ‘Marry some one or die by slow torture,’ I should choose you at once—I should indeed. I should say, ‘Give me little Bill.’” “Well, then——” “Yes, but I haven’t got to marry any one. I love being a wicked widow.” “You could do all the same things still. Go about, and all that. You’d hardly notice me about the house.” “Bill, you don’t understand. I’m the kind of person who marries enthusiastically if they marry at all.” Bill gave a hollow groan. “I shall shoot myself one of these days, I expect,” he murmured gloomily. “No, you won’t, Bill darling. You’ll take a pretty girl out to supper—like you did the night before last.” Mr. Eversleigh was momentarily confused. “If you mean Dorothy Kirkpatrick, the girl who’s in _Hooks and Eyes_, I—well, dash it all, she’s a thoroughly nice girl, straight as they make ’em. There was no harm in it.” “Bill, darling, of course there wasn’t. I love you to enjoy yourself. But don’t pretend to be dying of a broken heart, that’s all.” Mr. Eversleigh recovered his dignity. “You don’t understand at all, Virginia,” he said severely. “Men——” “Are polygamous! I know they are. Sometimes I have a shrewd suspicion that I am polyandrous. If you really love me, Bill, take me out to lunch quickly.” 5 First Night in London There is often a flaw in the best-laid plans. George Lomax had made one mistake—there was a weak spot in his preparations. The weak spot was Bill.