Clem Sypher, down for the week-end at Penton Court, burst in upon him during the afternoon. He came with exciting news. The high official in the Ordnance Department of the War Office had written to him that morning to the effect that he was so greatly impressed by the new quick-firing gun that he proposed to experiment forthwith, and desired to be put into communication with the inventor. "That's very nice," said Septimus, "but shall I have to go and see him?" "Of course," cried Sypher. "You'll have to interview boards and gunners and engineers, and superintend experiments. You'll be a person of tremendous importance." "Oh, dear!" said Septimus, "I couldn't. I couldn't, really." He was panic-stricken at the notion. "You'll have to," laughed Sypher. Septimus clutched at straws. "I'm afraid I shall be too busy. Emmy's coming to London--and there's the boy's education. You see, he has to go to Cambridge. Look here," he added, a brilliant idea occurring to him, "I'm fearfully rich; I don't want any more money. I'll sell you the thing outright for the two hundred pounds you advanced me, and then I shan't have anything more to do with it." "I think before you make any proposals of the kind you ought to consult Mrs. Dix," said Sypher with a laugh. "Or Zora." "Or Zora," said Sypher. "She came down by the same train as I did. I told her the good news. She was delighted." He did not inform Septimus that, for all her delight, Zora had been somewhat sceptical. She loved Septimus, she admitted, but his effectuality in any sphere of human endeavor was unimaginable. Could anything good come out of Nazareth? About half an hour later the goddess herself arrived, shown in by Wiggleswick, who had been snatching the pipe of the over-driven by the front-gate. She looked flushed, resolute, indignant, and, on seeing Sypher, she paused for a second on the threshold. Then she entered. Sypher took up his hat and stick. "No, no. You had better stay. You may help us. I suppose you know all about it." Septimus's heart sank. He knew what "it" meant. "Yes, Sypher knows. I told him." "But why didn't you tell me, dear Septimus, instead of letting me hear of it from mother and Cousin Jane? I don't think it was loyal to me." "I forgot," said Septimus in desperation. "You see, I sometimes remember it and sometimes forget it. I'm not used to getting married. Wiggleswick has been married several times. He was giving me a lot of advice this morning." "Anyhow, it's true?" asked Zora, disregarding Wiggleswick. "Oh, yes! You see, my ungovernable temper--" "Your what?" It was no use. On receiving the announcement she looked just as he had expected her to look. He tried to stammer out his catalogue of infamies, but failed. She burst out laughing, and Sypher, who knew all and was anxiously wondering how to save the situation, laughed too.