Mrs. Rheinholdt's plump fingers toyed for a moment complacently with the
diamonds which hung from her neck.

"You can never tell, in a world like this," she murmured. "That's why I
make a point of being civil to everybody. Your laundry woman may become a
multimillionaire, or your singing master a Caruso, and then, just while
their month's on, every one is crazy to meet them. It's the Professor's
month just now."

"Here he is, mother!" the young man exclaimed suddenly. "Good old boy! I
thought he'd keep his word."

Mrs. Rheinholdt assumed her most encouraging and condescending smile as
she held out both hands to the Professor. He came towards her, stooping a
little more than usual. His mouth had drooped a little and there were
signs of fatigue in his face. Nevertheless, his answering smile was as
delightful as ever.

"This is perfectly sweet of you, Professor," Mrs. Rheinholdt declared. "We
scarcely ventured to hope that you would break through your rule, but
Philip was so looking forward to have you come. You were his favourite
master at lectures, you know, and now--well, of course, you have the
scientific world at your feet. Later on in the evening, Professor," she
added, watching some very important newcomers, "you will tell me all about
your anthropoid ape, won't you? Philip, look after Mr. Ashleigh. Don't let
him go far away."

Mrs. Rheinholdt breathed a sigh of relief as she greeted her new arrivals.

"Professor Ashleigh, brother of Lord Ashleigh, you know," she explained.