Sir Donald went up to it, and stood before it for two or three minutes in
silence.

"I see indeed you do care for beauty," he said at length. "But--forgive
me--that fan makes that statuette wicked."

"Yes, but a thousand times more charming. Carey said just the same thing
when he saw it. I wonder I wonder what Lady Holme would say."

They sat down on the sofa by the wood fire.

"Carey could probably tell us!" Pierce added.

"Oh, then your friend knows Lady Holme?"

"He did once. I believe he isn't allowed to now. Ah, here is Carey!"

A quick step was audible on the stairs, the door was opened, and a broad,
middle-sized young man, with red hair, a huge red moustache and fierce
red-brown eyes, entered swiftly with an air of ruthless determination.

"I came, but I shall be devilish bad company to-night," he said at once,
looking at Sir Donald.

"We'll cheer you up. Let me introduce you to Sir Donald Ulford--Mr.
Rupert Carey."

Carey shook Sir Donald by the hand.