Drake took Lady Angleford in. There were no guests besides himself, and they had quite a pleasant little dinner. Lady Angleford talked with all the vivacity and charm of a cultured American who has seen both sides of the world, and kept her eyes open, and Drake began to feel as if he had known her for years. The earl was in a singularly good humor and listened to, and smiled at, his young wife proudly, and talked to Drake as if nothing had happened. It was just like old times; and Drake, as he opened the door for Lady Angleford, on her way to the drawing-room, smiled down at her, and nodded as she looked up at him questioningly. Then he went back to his chair, and the butler put the Angleford port in its wicker cradle before the earl. "I oughtn't to touch a drop," he said, "for I've had a twinge or two lately; but on this occasion----" He filled his glass, and passed the bottle to Drake--the butler had left the room. "So you met Lady Angleford last night?" "Yes, sir; and I take this, the first opportunity, to congratulate you. And Lady Angleford is as charming as she is pretty; and you won't mind my saying that I consider you an extremely lucky man." Of course, the earl looked pleased. "Thanks," he said; "that's very good of you, Drake--especially as my marriage may make all the difference to you." Drake looked at his cigarette steadily. "I've no reason to complain, sir; and I don't," he said. "You might have married years ago, and I'm rather surprised you didn't." The earl grunted. "I don't suppose I should have done so now, if you hadn't been such a stubborn young ass. That put my back up. But though I don't regret what I've done--no, by Jove!--I don't want you to think I am utterly regardless of your future. This port improves, doesn't it? Of course, you may be knocked out of the succession now----" "Most probably so, I should think," said Drake. "Just so. And, therefore, it's only right that I should do something for you." "You are very good, sir," said Drake. The earl colored slightly. "Now look here, Drake; I'm always suspicious of that d----d quiet way of yours! I was very glad when Lady Angleford told me that you were coming here, and I made up my mind that I would let bygones be bygones and act squarely by you. As I said, I'm not a bit sorry that I married; no, indeed!--you've seen Lady Angleford--but I don't want to leave you in the lurch. I don't want you to suffer more than--than can be helped. I've been thinking the matter over, and I'll tell you what I'll do. Have some more port." Unluckily for Drake, the old man filled his own glass before passing the bottle. Drake sipped his port and waited, and the earl went on: "Of course, I meant to continue your allowance; but I can see that under the circumstances that wouldn't be sufficient. Something might happen to me----" "I sincerely trust nothing will happen to you, sir," said Drake. The earl grunted.