'You're asking my advice, and it's about the only thing most men of my
age enjoy giving. Well, really, Cecil, and frankly, I think it's a
dismal little story. It would be humbug if I pretended I was sorry about
Mrs Raymond's--a--attitude, and I quite see its absolute genuineness
But, if you'll excuse my saying so, what price the other girl?'

'What price? No price.'

'_She_ likes you,' said Lord Selsey acutely.

'What makes you think that?'

'Because otherwise you wouldn't be so cool about her. You're a little
too frightened of being obvious, Cecil. I was like that, too. But don't
give way to it. Hyacinth Verney--what a charming name! ... What would
old Cannon say?'

'I don't think he seems particularly keen on _me_,' said Cecil frankly.

'That's odd. Then he must be very ambitious for her, or else be in love
with her himself ... probably both.'

'Oh, I say, Uncle Ted! Why, there's Lady Cannon! She's a very handsome,
gigantic woman, and they have a daughter of their own, a girl called
Ella, at school in Paris. She's pretty, too, only a flapper, you know,
with a fair plait and a black bow.'

'I should like to see her; what delightful families you get yourself
mixed up with, Cecil! If I were you I should certainly cultivate the