I left the room. On the stairs I met Archie. I shook hands
sympathetically. I was sorry for Archie. But in great causes
the individual cannot be considered. I had done my duty to my
sex.



MY LAST CHANCE

"Now mind," said Mrs. Hilary Musgrave, impressively, "this is the
last time I shall take any trouble about you. She's a very nice
girl, quite pretty, and she'll have a lot of money. You can be
very pleasant when you like--"

"This unsolicited testimonial--"

"Which isn't often--and if you don't do it this time I wash my
hands of you. Why, how old are you?"

"Hush, Mrs. Hilary,"

"You must be nearly--"

"It's false--false--false!"

"Come along," said Mrs. Hilary, and she added over her shoulder,
"she has a slight north-country accent."

"It might have been Scotch," said I.