"Oh, well," said Lord Caterham, "perhaps that was the best way. Thank goodness in the future Lomax won't always be running over as he has been in the habit of doing, worrying me about things. Everything is for the best they say. Have you seen my jigger anywhere?" "A mashie shot or two would steady my nerves, I think," said Bundle. "I'll take you on for sixpence, Loraine." An hour passed very peacefully. The three returned to the house in a harmonious spirit. A note lay on the hall table. "Mr. Lomax left that for you, my lord," explained Tredwell. "He was much disappointed to find that you had gone out." Lord Caterham tore it open. He uttered a pained ejaculation and turned upon his daughter. Tredwell had retired. "Really, Bundle, you might have made yourself clear, I think." "What do you mean?" "Well, read this." Bundle took it and read: "MY DEAR CATERHAM-- "I am sorry not to have had a word with you. I thought I made it clear that I wanted to see you again after my interview with Eileen. She, dear child, was evidently quite unaware of the feelings I entertained towards her. She was, I am afraid, much startled. I have no wish to hurry her in any way. Her girlish confusion was very charming, and I entertain an even higher regard for her, as I much appreciate her maidenly reserve. I must give her time to become accustomed to the idea. Her very confusion shows that she is not wholly indifferent to me and I have no doubts of my ultimate success. "Believe me, dear Caterham, "Your sincere friend, "GEORGE LOMAX." "Well," said Bundle. "Well, I'm damned!" Words failed her. "The man must be mad," said Lord Caterham. "No one could write those things about you, Bundle, unless they were slightly touched in the head. Poor chap, poor chap. But what persistence! I don't wonder he got into the Cabinet. It would serve him right if you did marry him, Bundle." The telephone rang and Bundle moved forward to answer it. In another minute George and his proposal were forgotten, and she was beckoning eagerly to Loraine. Lord Caterham went off to his own sanctum. "It's Jimmy," said Bundle. "And he's tremendously excited about something." "Thank goodness I've caught you," said Jimmy's voice. "There's no time to be lost. Loraine's there, too?" "Yes, she's here." "Well, look here, I haven't got time to explain everything--in fact, I can't through the telephone. But Bill has been round to see me with the most amazing story you ever heard. If it's true--well, if it's true, it's the biggest scoop of the century. Now, look here, this is what you've got to do. Come up to town at once, both of you. Garage the car somewhere and go straight to the Seven Dials Club. Do you think that when you get there you can get rid of that footman fellow?"