performance, and while the whim lasted (a period which
Essington put down as probably six weeks) he would
have gone the length of paying a bill or ordering a
tie on his recommendation alone.

To-night the distinguished appearance and genial
conversation of Essington's friend impressed him more
than ever with the advantages of knowing so remarkable
a personage. A second bottle succeeded the first, and a
third the second, the cordiality of the dinner growing
all the while, till at last his lordship had laid aside the
last traces of his national suspicion of even the most
charming strangers.

"I say, Essington," he said, "I had meant to tell
you about a devilish delicate dilemma I'm in. I want
your advice."

"You have it," interrupted his host. "Give her a
five-pound note, see that she burns your letters, and
introduce her to another fellow."

"But--er--that wasn't the thing----"

"Tell him you'll pay in six months, and order
another pair of trousers," said Essington, briskly as ever.

"But, I say, it wasn't that----"

"My dear Tulliwuddle, I never give racing tips."