Sir James looked round approvingly.

"This will do very well, and now, my dear young lady, do go to
bed and get some sleep."

Tuppence shook her head resolutely.

"I couldn't, thank you, Sir James. I should dream of Mr. Brown
all night!"

"But you'll be so tired, child."

"No, I shan't. I'd rather stay up--really."

The lawyer gave in.

Julius reappeared some minutes later, having reassured Albert and
rewarded him lavishly for his services. Having in his turn failed
to persuade Tuppence to go to bed, he said decisively:

"At any rate, you've got to have something to eat right away.
Where's the larder?"

Tuppence directed him, and he returned in a few minutes with a
cold pie and three plates.

After a hearty meal, the girl felt inclined to pooh-pooh her
fancies of half an hour before. The power of the money bribe
could not fail.