"Then he is doomed." The poor old Earl's head sank on his breast, and he surrendered himself to despair. And now had come Mary's great opportunity, and she took advantage of it. She was no mean diplomatist at any time. "I shall not move him, you will not move him. And you say you cannot move Greatorex. There is just one person in the world who might persuade him. I am not quite sure even about her." Lord Saxham was very subdued, very penitent, but there was still some of the old Adam left in him. He answered quickly; the voice was still quavering, but there was in it a querulous note. "You mean that--" Lady Mary lifted a warning finger; she knew he was going to say "minx." "Father, please, this is no time for old and foolish animosities. Guy's life is at stake, through his noble, perhaps exaggerated, sense of honour. You and I are powerless to alter his determination. There is just a chance that Isobel will be more successful. Will you put your pride in your pocket and ask her to plead with him?" It was a hard struggle, but in the end Lord Saxham's affection for his son won. The old aristocrat gave in. "Do what you like, Mary. I will consent to anything to get Guy back." Mary moved swiftly to the writing-table. "I shall ask her and her father to come to us to-morrow for a visit with the view of your sanctioning her engagement to Guy. I shall ask her to wire their acceptance." The Earl sat as in a dream, while she wrote; dimly he realised that events had taken a turn which he could not approve. But there was no other course left. Mary's letter was brief. "My Dearest Isobel,--My father has consented to approve your engagement to Guy. We shall both be delighted if you and General Clandon will pay us a visit. Please come to-morrow, if possible. In that case, send me a wire on receipt of this note. "Yours affectionately, "Mary Rossett." Isobel received that letter next morning. She carried it to her father with shining eyes. The General read it, and kissed her. "Good news, indeed, my dear little girl. Lady Mary seems a witch, and able to work miracles." "Oh, isn't she a darling?" cried Isobel enthusiastically. "Shall I send the wire at once?" The wire was sent. Poor Isobel was a little distressed about the scantiness of her wardrobe. But she took heart of grace when she reflected that this was sure to be quite a private visit. It was not likely there would be other guests on such an especially family occasion. Lady Mary met them at the station. She kissed Isobel affectionately, and shook the General, who looked very aristocratic and dignified, warmly by the hand. "How did you manage it, you darling?" whispered Isobel as they sat together in the car.