“You must make it after the double wedding,” decided Gloria. “Just for curiosity, how did you describe him?” “I’ve rather dodged that, so far. But I think I’d like to have him tall and slender and with nice, steady, friendly eyes, like Mr. Remsen.” “So would Monty, doubtless,” surmised Gloria. “_Who?_” “Monty Veyze.” “Gloria! Do you _know_ Sir Montrose Veyze?” “Rather. I visited at his sister’s last time I was in England.” “Heavens! That makes it seem so ghastly real. What’s he like?” “Round and roly-poly and red and fiercelooking; but a good sort. And he used to be quite an admirer of mine. I do think, Darcy, that with the whole of Burke’s Peerage to choose from you might have refrained from trespassing on my preserves. It isn’t clubby of you!” “You can have him!” cried the girl desperately. “Any one can have him! I don’t care how round and red and—” “He’s rather far from your picture of him, certainly. Not a bit like Jack Remsen. So you approve of Jack, do you?” “I thought him awfully attractive,” said Darcy shyly. “Oh, Jack’s a dear. It’s a pity about his money.” “Has he lost it?” “No. Got it. Too much. Without it he might make a real actor. He’s the best amateur in New York to-day. But—an amateur.” “What does he do?” “Dabbles in artistic things. And plays at being everybody’s little sunbeam. Never mind Jack. It’s the imaginary Sir Montrose Veyze that we’ve got to figure on.” “Oh, do tell me what to do with him!” implored the too-inventive Darcy. “Keep him. Prize him above rubies and diamonds. Nothing has given me a laugh like that for a year.” “But if—” “Let the future take care of its ifs. Who can tell what will turn up? Fate is kind to creative genius. And I’m going to assist Fate if I can. I’ll make you a bargain, Darcy, for half of your beautiful, inspiring, heaven-sent lie. You take me into equal partnership in it, and I’ll be your little personal Guide to Health and Beauty until we’ve made a job of you. But you’ve got to promise on honor to keep up the Veyze myth, if I’m to be partner and half owner in it, until I agree to drop it. Is it a bargain?” The light of unholy, reckless adventure shot into Darcy’s pale eyes. “It’s a bargain,” she agreed solemnly. CHAPTER V