“We are neighbours, you know, Mr. Bullsom,” he said, “at Medchester.  I met your niece there, and recognized her at once, though she was a little slip of a girl when I knew her last.  Her father and I were in Montreal together.”

“God bless my soul,” Mr. Bullsom exclaimed, in much excitement.  “It’s your lawyers, then, who have been advertising for Mary?”

Lord Arranmore bowed.

“That is so,” he admitted.  “I am sorry to say that I cannot induce your niece to look upon a certain transaction between her father and myself from a business-like point of view.  I think that you and I, Mr. Bullsom, might come to a better understanding.  Will you give me an appointment?  I should like to discuss the matter with you.”

“With the utmost pleasure, my lord,” Mr. Bullsom declared heartily.  “Can’t expect these young ladies to see through a business matter, eh?  I will come to your lordship’s house whenever you like.”

“It would be quite useless, uncle,” Mary interposed, firmly.  “Lord Arranmore has already my final answer.”

Mr. Bullsom was a little excited.

“Tut, tut, child!” he exclaimed.  “Don’t talk nonsense.  I should be proud to talk this matter over with Lord Arranmore.  We are staying at the Metropole, and if your lordship would call there to-morrow and take a bit of lunch, eh, about one o’clock—­if it isn’t too great a liberty.”

Selina had never loved her father more sincerely.  Lord Arranmore smiled faintly, but good-humoredly.

“You are exceedingly kind,” he said.  “For our business talk, perhaps, it would be better if you would come to St. James’s House at, say, 10:30, if that is convenient.  I will send a carriage.”

“I’ll be ready prompt,” Mr. Bullsom declared.  “Now, girls, we will say good-afternoon to his lordship and get a four-wheeler.”

Selina raised her eyes and dropped them again in the most approved fashion.  Mr. Bullsom shook hands as though it were a sacrament; Mary, who was annoyed, did not smile at all.

“This is all quite unnecessary, Lord Arranmore,” she said, while her uncle was signalling for a cab.  I shall not change my mind, and I am sorry that you spoke to uncle about it at all.”

“It is a serious matter to me, Miss Scott,” Lord Arranmore said, gravely.  “And there is still another point of view from which I might urge it.”

“It is wasted time,” she declared, firmly.

Selina detached herself from her father, and stood by Lord Arranmore’s side.

“I suppose you are often in London, Lord Arranmore?” she asked shyly.

“A great deal too often,” he answered.

“We read about your beautiful parties at Enton,” she said, with a sigh.  “It is such a lovely place.”

“I am glad you like it,” he answered, absently.  “I see your uncle cannot find a four-wheeler.  You must take my carriage.  I am only going a few steps.”