get the whip-hand of her and drive her my way--well, it'll be
pretty good business for all concerned. You like diamonds, hey,
madam?"

"Very much," laughed Mrs. Ingleton coquettishly. "But you mustn't
make my husband jealous. Remember that now!"

Preston closed one eye deliberately and poked his tongue into his
cheek. "You leave that to me, my good madam. Anythin' of that
sort would be the gift of the bridegroom. See?"

"Oh, quite," said Mrs. Ingleton. "I shall certainly do my best for
you, Mr. Preston."

"Good for you!" said Preston jocularly. "It's a deal then. And
you play every trump you've got!"

"You may depend upon me," said Mrs. Ingleton.




CHAPTER III

THE WHIP-HAND

"Why isn't Mr. Preston engaged to Sylvia?" demanded Mrs. Ingleton
of her husband as she faced him across the breakfast-table on the
following morning.