him to the MacGregors', and it will only be for six days."

It will seem longer," said Lady Bastable dismally.

"The last time he stayed here for a week--"

"I know," interrupted the other hastily, "but that was nearly two
years ago. He was younger then."

"But he hasn't improved," said her hostess; "it's no use growing
older if you only learn new ways of misbehaving yourself."

Mrs. Sangrail was unable to argue the point; since Clovis had
reached the age of seventeen she had never ceased to bewail his
irrepressible waywardness to all her circle of acquaintances, and
a polite scepticism would have greeted the slightest hint at a
prospective reformation. She discarded the fruitless effort at
cajolery and resorted to undisguised bribery.

"If you'll have him here for these six days I'll cancel that
outstanding bridge account."

It was only for forty-nine shillings, but Lady Bastable loved
shillings with a great, strong love. To lose money at bridge and
not to have to pay it was one of those rare experiences which gave
the card-table a glamour in her eyes which it could never
otherwise have possessed. Mrs. Sangrail was almost equally
devoted to her card winnings, but the prospect of conveniently
warehousing her offspring for six days, and incidentally saving
his railway fare to the north, reconciled her to the sacrifice;