As good luck had it, or ill luck, or no luck at all, Maria happened to be at the drawing-room window to-day. Some ladies were paying her a visit, and Meta--who was sometimes indulged, as an only child is indulged--made one in the drawing-room. She caught sight of her papa, forthwith climbed upon a chair to see him better, and leaned from the open window, clapping her hands. "Papa! papa!" Maria sprang to hold her in. She was a child who had little sense of danger. Had George held out his arms then, and said, "Jump out to me, Meta," she would have taken the leap fearlessly. Maria caught her round the waist, and the visitors came forward to see. Charlotte threw up a triumphant glance. One of those curiously triumphant glances that she was rather fond of giving Mrs. George Godolphin. Maria bowed gravely. An idea--a faint idea, glancing at no ill--had been growing over her lately that her husband passed more time with Charlotte Pain than was absolutely necessary. George smiled at his wife, lifted his hat to the ladies at her side, and waved a kiss to Meta. The red blood had mantled to his cheek. At what? At Charlotte's triumphantly saucy look--which he had not failed to catch--or at his wife's grave one? Or at the sight of a gentleman who stood on the pavement, saluting them as they passed? It was the Viscount Averil. George saluted again, and rode on with a smooth brow and a face bright as day. Considerably later; just before five, in fact, when the Bank closed, Lord Averil presented himself at it again. Had Mr. George Godolphin returned? If so, could he see him? Mr. George had not come in. Mr. Hurde came forward and inquired if it was anything that he could do for his lordship. Lord Averil had known Mr. Hurde a long while. He had seen him in his place there as long as he had banked with Godolphin, Crosse, and Godolphin. He supposed he was a confidential clerk: and, in point of fact, Mr. Hurde was so to a great extent. "You hold some bonds of mine," said Lord Averil. "Bonds of some stock which Sir George Godolphin purchased for me. Did you know anything of it?" "I remember the transaction quite well, my lord," replied Mr. Hurde. "I want the bonds delivered up to me. Can I have them?" "Certainly. Your lordship can have them whenever you please. They are in your case, in the strong-room." "I should have liked them to-day, if possible," replied Lord Averil. "There will be no difficulty at all, my lord. Mr. George Godolphin can deliver them to you as soon as he comes in." "Will he be in soon, think you?" "He is sure not to be very long, my lord. I have to see him before I leave." "Then I think I'll wait," said Lord Averil. He was shown into the Bank parlour, and left there. At five the clerks quitted the Bank: it was usual for them to do so. Mr. Hurde waited. In about a quarter of an hour George entered. A few minutes given to the business for which Mr. Hurde had remained, and then he spoke. "Lord Averil is waiting to see you, sir."