"Not more than usual"--grimly. "I've told him I'll pay no more debts for him. And a good thing, too! I fancy he's been keeping within his allowance since I put my foot down. Anyhow, he hasn't come to me again, begging for money." He paused and shot a swift glance of inquiry at her, obviously seeking her approval, but Lady Susan preserved a strictly non-committal silence. She thought Tony exhibited decided symptoms of nervous strain. His eyes were restless, and his mouth wore a dissatisfied, thwarted expression. "It's love," pursued Sir Philip, as she made no response. "That's what's the matter with the boy. He doesn't know; whether he's on his head or his heels." "Love?" "Yes. He's in love with that slip of a Doreen Neville. And because I brought him back to Audley Square instead of careering all over Europe after her and her mother he's as sulky as a young bear." "Doreen Neville?" Lady Susan felt that her replies were hopelessly inadequate, but she was too genuinely taken aback by the news to think of anything to say. "I said so, didn't I?"--crustily. "I suppose I shall have to let him marry her in the end. She's all right, of course, as regards family. But a bit of a swear-stick--melt in a storm, probably. Confound the boy!"--irritably. "Why couldn't he have remained in love with Ann?" "I'm very glad he didn't," returned Lady Susan quietly. "It was only calf-love. Besides, he would have _leant_ on Ann--she's such a stalwart little soldier, you know"--with a smile. Sir Philip nodded. "Yes. She'd have kept him straight," he said gloomily. "Whereas Doreen Neville's the hot-house plant type--just the opposite. No good to Tony at all." "I'm not so sure, Philip. Sometimes the need to care for and protect some one weaker than himself helps to steady a man down more than anything else. Ah!" Lady Susan broke off, her face brightening. "Here is Ann--with Robin. I told them to come early." Sir Philip put up his monocle and glared in the direction of the new-comers. Yes, Ann was certainly thinner--too thin, perhaps--though, as far as appearances were concerned, he thought the change had only served to accentuate the charming angles of her face and give an additional grace to the boyishly slender lines of her figure.