one of the qualifications for success in modern society. And here," he
added, taking up a ball, "is another. Very good. Live and learn. I'll
play! I'll play!"

Lady Lundie (born impervious to all sense of irony) smiled graciously.

"I knew Sir Patrick would play," she said, "to please me."

Sir Patrick bowed with satirical politeness.

"Lady Lundie," he answered, "you read me like a book." To the
astonishment of all persons present under forty he emphasized those
words by laying his hand on his heart, and quoting poetry. "I may say
with Dryden," added the gallant old gentleman:

"'Old as I am, for ladies' love unfit,
The power of beauty I remember yet.'"

Lady Lundie looked unaffectedly shocked. Mr. Delamayn went a step
farther. He interfered on the spot--with the air of a man who feels
himself imperatively called upon to perform a public duty.

"Dryden never said that," he remarked, "I'll answer for it."

Sir Patrick wheeled round with the help of his ivory cane, and looked
Mr. Delamayn hard in the face.

"Do you know Dryden, Sir, better than I do?" he asked.

The Honorable Geoffrey answered, modestly, "I should say I did. I have