"Gartney! He went about four days ago. Got tired of Town, I suppose." "No doubt! Town does get wearisome at times." "I don't think so while you are here," said Mr. Thambits tenderly. "What a charming compliment," answered Mrs. Veilsturm with a forced laugh, shutting her fan savagely, for when Dolly was amorous he was simply detestable. "Not to you," he murmured softly. "More compliments," she said coolly. "You must pass your days making them up. By-the-way, would you mind telling me the time?" "Certainly. It is now a few minutes past nine." "Oh, I say, is it?" cried Mr. Jiddy, jumping up from his chair. "I say, Dolly, we've got to go to Lady Kalsmith's you know." "I thought you were coming also, Mrs. Veilsturm?" said Dolly, rising reluctantly. "I! No," she answered, lifting her eyebrows. "Would I be dressed like this if I were going?" "Mrs. Veilsturm," explained Major Griff, graciously, "is too tired to go out to-night, and thinks a rest will do her good." "I'm afraid we've tired you," said Thambits, looking at his divinity. "Oh dear, not at all," responded Mrs. Veilsturm, lying with the utmost dexterity. "So glad to see you. _Au revoir_ at present." "I'll call and see if you are better to-morrow," said Dolly, making his adieux with manifest reluctance. "Delighted! goodbye, Mr. Jiddy! Major?" Grill took the hint, and ushered Dolly and his friend out of the room before they had time to change their minds, and having seen them safely bestowed in a hansom, returned to Mrs. Veilsturm, whom he found sitting in her old place, frowning savagely at the fireplace. The Major resumed his lounging attitude on the hearthrug, and lighted a cigarette. "Don't smoke," said Mrs. Veilsturm sharply. "I don't want my drawing-room to smell like a bar." "There's not much chance of that," retorted the Major coolly, throwing the match into the fireplace, and blowing a cloud of smoke. "No one will come to-night, and those abominable pastilles you are so fond of burning will dissipate the smoke by to-morrow." Mrs. Veilsturm offered no further remonstrance, but tapped her fan thoughtfully in the palm of her hand. Major Griff watched her in silence for a moment, and then made a polite remark. "You're a fool, Maraquita." "And why?" "Because you're thinking about that young Errington. He's no good to us." "Us! Us!" she reiterated savagely, "always us! Do you think I've nothing else to do but to think of you?" "At present, No," replied Griff coolly. "Now don't get in a rage, my dear. It doesn't improve your looks, and certainly does not carry any weight with me. I tell you again you're a fool for thinking about Errington. He's gone back to his wife in spite of your cleverness. Didn't you hear that idiot say so?" "Yes!" "Well?" "Well!" she echoed scornfully, raising her eyes to his face, "what of that? Do you think I'm going to let him go so easily?" "I don't see you've much option in the matter," said Griff grimly.