‘I do something?’

’Yes, you.  You and Mr Dalrymple are such friends!  If you were just to point out to him you know—­’

’Point out what?  Tell him that he oughtn’t to be called Conway?  Because, after all, I suppose that’s the worst of it.  If you mean to say that Dalrymple is in love with Mrs Broughton, you never made a greater mistake in your life.’

‘Oh, no; not in love.  That would be terrible, you know.’  And Miss Demolines shook her head sadly.  ’But there may be so much mischief done without anything of that kind!  Thoughtlessness, you know, Mr Eames—­pure thoughtlessness!  Think of what I have said, and if you can speak a word to your friend, do.  And now I want to ask you something else.  I’m so glad you are come, because circumstances have seemed to make it necessary that you and I should know each other.  We may be of so much use if we put our heads together.’  Johnny bowed when he heard this, but made no immediate reply.  ’Have you heard anything about a certain picture that is being planned?’ Johnny did not wish to answer this question, but Miss Demolines paused so long, and looked so earnestly into his face, that he found himself forced to say something.

‘What picture?’

’A certain picture that is—­, or, perhaps, that is not to be, painted by Mr Dalrymple?’

’I hear so much about Dalrymple’s pictures!  You don’t mean the portrait of Lady Glencora Palliser?  That is nearly finished, and will be in the Exhibition this year.’

’I don’t mean that at all.  I mean a picture that has not yet been begun.’

‘A portrait, I suppose?’

’As to that I cannot quite say.  It is at any rate to be a likeness.  I am sure you have heard of it.  Come, Mr Eames, it would be better that we should be candid with each other.  You remember Miss Van Siever, of course?’

‘I remember that she dined at the Broughtons.’

‘And you have heard of Jael, I suppose, and Sisera?’

‘Yes; in a general way—­in the Bible.’

’And now will you tell me whether you have not heard the names of Jael and Miss Van Siever coupled together?  I see you know all about it.’

‘I have heard of it certainly.’

’Of course you have.  So have I, as you perceive.  Now, Mr Eames,’—­and Miss Demoline’s voice became tremulously eager as she addressed him—­’it is your duty, and it is my duty, to take care that that picture will never be painted.’

‘But why should it not be painted?’

‘You don’t know Miss Van Siever, yet.’

‘Not in the least.’

‘Nor Mrs Van Siever.’

‘I never spoke a word to her.’

‘I do.  I know them both—­well.’  There was something almost grandly tragic in Miss Demoline’s voice as she thus spoke.  ’Yes, Mr Eames, I know them well.  If that scheme be continued, it will work terrible mischief.  You and I must prevent it.’

‘But I don’t see what harm it will do.’