"Can you give any general sort of advice?" Savile asked. "How _does_ a chap get things?" "It's very, very difficult, dear Savile, and it's getting more and more difficult--unless you're related to somebody--or have heaps of money. The really best thing, of course, for our friend, would be to go into some kind of business. I'll look out and see if something turns up. Now look here," and Jasmyn put his arm in Savile's, "if it's something of that sort, and it's merely some--a--cash for capital that's required, let him look upon me as his banker. Tell him that, Savile. You'll know how." "No, I shan't know how, Mr. Vere. He wouldn't like it. And then, besides, you see he doesn't know anything about it--I mean about my coming to you like this. Sylvia doesn't, either. Of course, old Woodville would be very pleased if I went and told him he'd got some capital appointment. He'd soon forgive me then for my cheek in interfering. But not what you've just said. Awfully jolly of you, though." Jasmyn took a few steps back and stared at Savile. "You mean to say you've undertaken this all on your own? Why, you're a marvel! Haven't you really mentioned it to a soul?" "As a matter of fact," said Savile scrupulously, "I _did_ just mention something about it--not your name or theirs, of course--to the girl I'm engaged to. But she doesn't know any more about it than she did before." Jasmyn exploded with laughter. "Savile, you'll go far. So much prudence combined with so much pluck--why you'll end by being Prime Minister!" "I shouldn't care for that. Besides, I can't," Savile said apologetically, "I'm going into the army." "And what about _your_ engagement?" "Nothing about it. It won't make any difference." "To whom?" "Why, to me--or to _her_ either--so far as that goes." "Tell me why you're so keen about Woodville, and what you're taking all this trouble for, old boy?" "Why, for my sister, of course!" Savile answered, surprised. "You're a dear good boy. And you shan't be disappointed. As soon as I hear of anything I'll let you know, and we'll talk it over again. When do you go back to school?" "In a few days," said Savile, getting up to go. "Poor chap! Well, well, we'll see what happens. Must you go now? Cheer up. It's sure to come all right. And I say, Savile----" "Yes?" "Remember me kindly to your fiancée, won't you?" "Of _course_ I shan't! She's never heard of you. Her mother doesn't let her read the papers, not even the _Morning Post_. And besides, it's quite a private engagement." "You can trust me, Savile. Just tell me one thing," Jasmyn said, with an inquisitive leer. "Is she dark or fair?" "Not very," said Savile. CHAPTER XXIII SAVILE AND BERTIE