"Yes. I don't think George mentioned it to you, but he had a talk with Maude, just before our marriage, about her future. George, of course, told her that our house would be her home, her permanent home I mean; and he gave her the kindest message from Lady Caroline, who bargained that at least a portion of the year should be spent with her." "What did your sister say to that?" "Well, she was much obliged and all that; but she did not seem inclined to settle down. She has some horrible notions about duty and that sort of thing, and thinks her money has been given to her to do good with; and George is afraid she would get what he calls 'let i' by some of those dreadful hypocritical people, and we want you to talk to her and reason her out of it." "I? Why I, my dear Gertrude?" "Because she believes in you so much more than in anybody else, and is so much more likely to do what you advise her." "She pays me a great compliment," said Joyce, rising, "and I'll see what's to be done. The first thing, I think, is to consult Lady Caroline, who would be sure to give good advice. I shall see her to-morrow, and I'll----" "See Lady Caroline to-morrow! I thought you were not going back till Saturday?" "I've just thought of some special business about which I must see Lady Caroline at once, and I'll mention this at the same time. Now, let us find George. Come for a turn." They found George and went for their turn, and when their turn was over, and Gertrude was alone with her husband, she told him the conversation which she had had with Walter Joyce. The schoolmaster laughed heartily. "'Pon my word, Gerty," he said, "match-making appears to be your forte, born and bred in you! I never believed in the reality of those old dowagers in Mrs. Trollope's novels, until I saw you." "Well, I declare, George, you are complimentary! old dowagers, indeed! But, seriously, I wish Walter wasn't going to Lady Caroline!" "Why, what on earth has that to do with it?" "Well, I mean speaking in Maude's interest!" "Why, one would think that Lady Caroline was in love with Walter Joyce herself!" "Exactly!" "Why--why--you don't think so, my dear?" "I'm sure so, my dear!" And, as response, the Reverend George Benthall whistled in a loud and unclerical manner.