of the pantry, "how is your rheumatism, and will you lend me sixpence?"
"Will I lend you sixpence, sir?" repeated Payne, in astonishment.
"I asked you two questions, Payne. How is your rheumatism, and will you lend me sixpence? You merely repeat the second; that is very feminine."
The butler regarded him with a startled expression.
"The rheumatism, sir, is—is a little better to-day, and" From his trouser-pocket he drew out a handful of silver and hesitatingly extended it.
Selecting sixpence Beresford pocketed it with great deliberation.
"Now a pencil and a piece of paper," he said, "only be quick, because I'm in a hurry."
Payne trotted off to the pantry, re-appearing a few minutes later with the required articles.
Beresford wrote: "I.O.U. the sum of sixpence, Richard Beresford."
"That," he remarked, handing the paper to Payne, "is as good as a banknote. You can distrain upon my estate, or make your claim against my executors, administrators or assigns. Thank you, Payne."
Just as Beresford turned to the door that Payne proceeded to open for him, he was conscious of Lady Drewitt coming out of the morning-room. She had obviously heard his last remark.
At the corner of Curzon Street Beresford hesitated. Lola had told him that she would not be back at the Belle Vue until late. He therefore decided
