to have such a crowd here--at any rate until after Monday? You know
that I don't interfere as a rule, but there were special reasons why I
wanted to be as quiet as possible until after Maraton had left."

Lady Grenside's expression was delightfully apologetic. It conveyed,
also, a sense of helplessness.

"What was I to do?" she demanded. "Most of these people were asked, or
half asked, weeks ago, and I hate putting any one off. It is quite a
weakness of mine, that. And I am sure, Stephen, there isn't a soul who
could possibly object to Mr. Maraton. Personally, I think he is
altogether charming, and so distinguished-looking. He has quite the air
of being used to good society."

Mr. Foley's eyes lit with joyful appreciation of his sister's naïveté.
Perhaps one reason why they got on so well together was because she was
continually ministering to his sense of humour.

"It wasn't altogether that," he said, "but never mind. We can't send
the people away now--that's certain. What I wanted to tell you was that
Elisabeth must sit next Maraton to-night."

Lady Grenside was horrified.

"However could I explain such an arrangement to Jack Carton!" she
protested. "Apart from a matter of precedence, you know that he is
Elisabeth's declared admirer. It is perfectly certain that at a word of
encouragement from her, he would propose. A most suitable match, too,
in every way, and, you know, Elisabeth is beginning to be just a little
anxiety to me. She is twenty-four, and girls marry so young, nowadays."