"And you can find just what she wants? I knew you would," said his cousin triumphantly. Everitt reflected. "I can put my hand at once on the best man in London for that sort of thing," he said slowly. "When does she want him--on Monday, I suppose?" "Yes. Why, however, do you suppose it?" "Because ladies are impatient in art as in everything else, and while I should spend a fortnight in selecting a good model, you would expect him to grow out of the ground at your feet." "If I had told you that I wanted him." "I make my bow," Everitt returned. "Well, as it happens, the best man in London for her purpose is coming here on Monday morning." "That," said Mrs Marchmont, "is what I should have expected." "He's a first-rate model, and an awful ruffian." "He can't do any harm." "Then, in spite of my character of him, you think Miss Lascelles would wish him to be sent on to her?" Mrs Marchmont smiled. "I am sure she would--_coute que coute_." "In that case, unless he is hopelessly drunk, I will forward him." "That is really good of you," she said, getting up; "and to prove that we are not ungrateful, we will go away this minute, and allow you to begin another cigarette in peace. I shall tell Kitty that you have made a solemn vow to provide the man she wants on Monday morning." "I'll do my best," said Everitt. "Oh, no limitations, please. If you can't get him, you will have to find another. I have no doubt they run about quite tamely in this long corridor of yours. Don't come any farther. I'm immensely obliged to you, and so Miss Lascelles will be when she hears of the ruffian--won't she, Bell?" In spite of her request, Everitt walked with them to the carriage, which waited in the street. When it had driven off, he turned back, lit his cigarette, and paced up and down under the quaint little avenue. It had never seemed more peaceful, or offered a tenderer contrast to the hot exhausted-looking street outside. May had just begun; the delicate green had burst out, and was clothing the dark boughs with delicious and dainty lightness. A late sun was shining down on the little court, and the feeling of spring was abroad. Everitt stopped and looked round impatiently upon the houses.