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Thomas says he believes Mr. Campbell means no harm———”

“I—really—I—Mrs. Granby—I can’t discuss———”

“No, no, my dear; but I was about to say he is a man of the world, and this trifling sort of intercourse means nothing to him—nothing! He is no doubt used to something of the sort in ordinary life, just as he is used to go to races or the theatre; but I am sure he has no intention of—of—flirtation, shall we say?”

“I really don’t know, Mrs. Granby; and I must add that I don’t care either.”

“I was about to say,” went on the deep rolling accents, flattening down all these trifling interruptions, “that if some friend would speak to him—just delicately indicate that it would be the kindest and best thing to withdraw a little———”

“Very likely that would be best; but why should I know anything about it at all?” Alice spoke hurriedly, and her eyes were feverishly bright.

“Because I think—we both think—that you, Miss Lauder, should be that friend. It would come best from you.”

“From me! Me! Oh, Mrs. Granby, you are joking surely! You cannot be in earnest.”