while you are thinking it out."
"It doesn't need thinking out. It's just this: Do you mean business with Little Diplomacy?"
"What affair is that of yours?" she asked, pausing in the act of chalking her cue.
"None, thank goodness; but I'd like to do a pal a good turn, and so – "
"Well?"
"If you'll accept a bit of advice."
"Out with it."
"Don't lose any time, if you do mean business. He's being warned against you."
"Aren't you clever enough to know the result of that?"
"Yes, if the advice comes from a woman – but supposing it's from a man?"
"Who?"
"Kent-Lauriston."
Miss Fitzgerald so far forgot herself as to whistle.
"How do you know?"
"Gainsborough told me. He said he overheard an awful long confab between them at the St. James, two days ago, and Diplomacy said he'd write a letter to our hostess, sending his regrets."
"No such letter has been received."
"Probably he changed his mind, – but – "
"Then he'll make a clean breast of it to me, but I'm much obliged just the same, and I won't forget it."
"I'll see he owns up to it."
"You won't do anything of the sort, you'll bungle it, and there's an end of things."
"Have I generally bungled your affairs with Little Diplomacy?"
"No. You were a trump about that launch party. Now I mustn't keep you from her Ladyship – run along, and remember if I can be of any help – just call on me."
"You can be – and I want you to – "
She broke in with a merry laugh.
"I knew it."
"Why?"
"Because Lieutenant Kingsland doesn't generally put himself out to oblige his friends, unless he expects them to make return with interest."
The gentleman in question looked sheepish and shrugged his shoulders.
"Come now," she continued briskly. "Let me hear it, and don't go blundering about for an explanation; the facts are sufficient. I've been alone with you long enough. I don't wish to set myself up as a rival to Lady Isabelle."
"It's about her I want your help."
"Of course, I know that. Go on."
"You don't ask if I mean business."
"I don't need to. I know the amount in consols which she received from her grandmother."
"Don't be so damned mercenary!"
"Why not say a thing as well as mean it? Let's be honest for once in a way. Besides, you're not to swear at me, Lieutenant Kingsland – please remember I'm not married to you."
"No. By Gad! I wish you were."
"Oh, no, you don't. I haven't silver enough to cross the palm of my hand. But to come to business. Doesn't your affair progress swimmingly?"
"Why, it has so far – as long as the Dowager fancied there was danger from Little Diplomacy's quarter, I was used as a foil. Now that she learned about your claims she breathes again, and gives me the cold shoulder in consequence."
"I suppose you haven't been wasting your time?"
"Rather not."
"It's all right then?"
"Yes, I think so; but the old lady'll never allow it."
"Marry without consulting her."
"That's what I mean to do."
"Where?"
"Why, here. Haven't we got the parson and the church attached? What could be more convenient?"
"Nothing, if the Marchioness doesn't suspect?"
"But I'm afraid that she does."
"What – not that – "
"Only that my intentions are serious."
"Transfer them to me then – temporarily."
"Won't do. Devotion to Lady Isabelle is the tack. Why won't you lend me your little affair?"
"What, Jimsy?"
"Yes. I fancy the old lady has a mistaken idea that he's poverty-stricken. Of course, I know that can't be the case if you – "
"Do not finish that sentence, Lieutenant Kingsland; I'm quite willing to oblige you – by mentioning to the Dowager the amount of Mr. Stanley's income – if I know it."
"She'll accept your word for it, even if you don't, and once her attention is turned to him, I'll have a clear field."
"Is that the help you wanted?"
"No, I want you to square the parson."
"Oh, I see; that's a more difficult matter. When do you wish to command his services?"
"If I need 'em at all it'll be in about three days. To-day's Thursday – say Sunday."
"I'll do what I can."
"You're a brick. Oh, by the way, I spoke to Darcy about that letter you gave me at the Hyde Park Club."
"And he told you to keep a still tongue in your head and leave it to me."
"How did you know that?"
"It's good advice," she continued, ignoring his question, "and I'll give you some more. If I make any suggestion after dinner, advocate it warmly – put it through."
"You mean to get that letter to-night?"
"I must get it to-night."
"But suppose he's left it in London?"
"Then I must find it out this evening, and take steps to procure it there."
"You wouldn't have his rooms searched?"
"I must have that letter – that's all," she replied. "You don't know what it means to me?"
"I don't know anything about it. But why not ask him for it?"
"Tell him it was mine, and that I sent it to Darcy," she exclaimed, incredulously.
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