to recruit her health, and I think she fancies him. Well, although she's
independent and her own mistress, as you know, Mrs. Leyton and I are
somewhat responsible for her acquaintance with Somers,--and for that
matter so are you; and as my wife thinks it means a marriage, we ought
to know something more positive about Somers's prospects. Now, all we
really know is that he's a great friend of yours; that you trust a good
deal to him; that he manages your social affairs; that you treat him
as a son or nephew, and it's generally believed that he's as good as
provided for by you--eh? Did you speak?"

"No," said Rushbrook, quietly regarding the statue as if taking its
measurement for a suitable apartment for it. "Go on."

"Well," said Leyton, a little impatiently, "that's the belief everybody
has, and you've not contradicted it. And on that we've taken the
responsibility of not interfering with Somers's attentions."

"Well?" said Rushbrook, interrogatively.

"Well," replied Leyton, emphatically, "you see I must ask you positively
if you HAVE done anything, or are you going to do anything for him?"

"Well," replied Rushbrook, with exasperating coolness, "what do you call
this marriage?"

"I don't understand you," said Leyton.

"Look here, Leyton," said Rushbrook, suddenly and abruptly facing him;
"Jack Somers has brains, knowledge of society, tact, accomplishments,
and good looks: that's HIS capital as much as mine is money. I employ