"Then it is very disappointing of him," said Millicent, with a
little droop of the eyelids which went home. "It seems to be only
the uninteresting people who stay at home and live humdrum lives of
enormous duration."

"He seems to think that his friends are going to cast him off
because his poor father died without the assistance of a medical
man," continued the old lady meaningly.

"No--I never said that, Lady Cantourne."

"But you implied it."

Guy Oscard shook his head. "I hate being a notoriety," he said. "I
like to pass through with the crowd. If I go away for a little
while I shall return a nonentity."

At this moment another visitor was announced, and presently made his
appearance. He was an old gentleman of no personality whatever, who
was nevertheless welcomed effusively, because two people in the room
had a distinct use for him. Lady Cantourne was exceedingly
gracious. She remembered instantly that horticulture was among his
somewhat antiquated accomplishments, and she was immediately
consumed with a desire to show him the conservatory which she had
had built outside the drawing-room window. She took a genuine
interest in this abode of flowers, and watered the plants herself
with much enthusiasm--when she remembered.

Added to a number of positive virtues the old gentleman possessed
that of abstaining from tea, which enabled the two horticulturists