speak again until they reached the iron gates. 

 "I want to show you the tennis court," he said.  "The man here can drive your cousin and Miss Loriner up to the house."  She hesitated as he, stepping down, held out his hand.  "My mother is waiting there!" 

 They found the grey-haired old lady resting on a low white enamelled seat, watching a game of singles between two stout men, who had the distressed look of those who play for the sake of health and figure. The ruddier of the two was pointed out as Mr. Jim Langham, brother to Lady Douglass; the other, a barrister with leanings in the direction of political work, and a present desire to be amiable towards everybody in the neighbourhood who possessed a vote. 

 "Now, you are to sit down here, Miss Higham," said the old lady, "and talk to me. I may interrupt you, now and again, but you mustn't mind that. One of the few privileges of age." 

 "I don't know what to talk about." 

 "Talk about yourself. I've heard about you from Henry, but I want to verify the information. You work for your living, don't you? Well now, that is interesting. I did the same before I was married. I married rather well, and then, of course, there was no necessity for me to go on with it." 

 "When my dear mother says she wants you to talk to her," explained Henry, "what she really means is that she wishes to talk to you. If you don't mind, I'll go over and teach these men how to play tennis." 

 Jim Langham came across directly that the game was finished, interrupting the two as they were getting on good terms with each other; on the way, he shouted an order to a gardener working near. He was effusive over the introduction to Gertie, showing his perfect teeth, and expressing the hope that she would not have to leave on Monday. The gardener brought a tumbler on a tray, and a syphon. 

 "At this time of the day?" said Mrs. Douglass, glancing at the contents of the glass. 

 "Good whisky," retorted Jim Langham, taking a small quantity of soda, "makes one feel like another man altogether." 

 "In that case," said the old lady, "by all means have the drink. My dear," to Gertie, "give me my stick and we'll walk up to the house and have tea." 

 "I'll come with you," remarked Jim Langham. 

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