making an income of nothing a year just then as a briefless barrister,
and he was hesitating whether to accept a post of secretary that had
been offered him in the colony, or to continue his negative career at
the Inner Temple, for the honour and glory of it.

"Now, which would YOU advise me, Miss Tepping?" he inquired, after we
had discussed the matter some minutes.

Daphne's face flushed up. "It is so hard to decide," she answered. "To
decide to YOUR best advantage, I mean, of course. For naturally all your
English friends would wish to keep you as long as possible in England."

"No, do you think so?" the gawky young man jerked out with evident
pleasure. "Now, that's awfully kind of you. Do you know, if YOU tell
me I ought to stay in England, I've half a mind... I'll cable over this
very day and refuse the appointment."

Daphne flushed once more. "Oh, please don't!" she exclaimed, looking
frightened. "I shall be quite distressed if a stray word of mine should
debar you from accepting a good offer of a secretaryship."

"Why, your least wish--" the young man began--then checked himself
hastily--"must be always important," he went on, in a different voice,
"to everyone of your acquaintance."

Daphne rose hurriedly. "Look here, Hilda," she said, a little
tremulously, biting her lip, "I have to go out into Westbourne Grove to
get those gloves for to-night, and a spray for my hair; will you excuse
me for half an hour?"