knows well that running away would probably be fatal to her. What is the
letter about?"

Sir Nathaniel's voice was calm and self-possessed. When he was engaged
in any struggle of wits he was all diplomatist.

"She asks Mimi and me to tea this afternoon at Diana's Grove, and hopes
that you also will favour her."

Sir Nathaniel smiled.

"Please ask Mrs. Salton to accept for us all."

"She means some deadly mischief. Surely--surely it would be wiser not."

"It is an old trick that we learn early in diplomacy, Adam--to fight on
ground of your own choice. It is true that she suggested the place on
this occasion; but by accepting it we make it ours. Moreover, she will
not be able to understand our reason for doing so, and her own bad
conscience--if she has any, bad or good--and her own fears and doubts
will play our game for us. No, my dear boy, let us accept, by all
means."

Adam said nothing, but silently held out his hand, which his companion
shook: no words were necessary.

When it was getting near tea-time, Mimi asked Sir Nathaniel how they were
going.

"We must make a point of going in state. We want all possible