Mrs. Mount heard that her friend was going — ^woiild go.
She knew he was going to his wife. Far from discourag-
ing him, she said nobly : "Go — ^I believe I have kept you.
Let us have an evening together, and then go: for good,
if you like. If not, then to meet again another time.
Forget me. I shan't forget you. You're the best fellow
I ever knew, Richard. You are, on my honour! I swear
I would not step in between you and your wife to cause
either of you a moment's unhappiness. When I <;an be
another woman I will, and I shall think of you then."

Lady Blandish heard from Adrian that Richard was
positively going to his wife. The wise youth modestly
veiled his own merit in bringing it about by saying: *^
couldn't see that poor little woman left alone down there
any longer."

'Weill Yes I" said Mrs. Doria, to whom the modest
speech was repeated, *T! suppose, poor boy, it's the best
he can do now."

Richard bade them adieu, and went to si>end his last
evening with Mrs. Moimt.
The enchantress received him in state.
*T)o you know this dress? No? It's the dress I wore
when I first met you — ^not when I first saw you. I think
I remarked you, sir, before you deigned to cast an eye
upon humble me. When we first met we drank champagne
together, and I intend to celebrate our parting in the
same liquor. Will you liquor with me, old boy?"

She was gay. She revived Sir Julius occasionally. 'He,
dispirited, left the talking all to her.
