"I dare say. He won't bother me," said Emily. "I like young people about the place. Miss Allison can look after him." A gleam stole into her eye; she added sardonically: "You'd better talk it over with her." She looked towards her companion and nodded imperiously. Miss Allison came to her at once. "My great-nephew wants to talk to you about his stepbrother," she announced.

Jim Kane had risen at Miss Allison's approach but shook his head at her glance of mild surprise. "No, I don't," he protested. "I mean, not about Timothy."

"Well, you don't want to talk to an old woman when you might be talking to a pretty young one, I hope," said Emily. "Miss Allison, show my great-nephew the orange tree in the conservatory."

She dismissed them with a nod. Jim Kane said: "I wish you would. I haven't been able to exchange two words with you so far."

"Go along," said Emily, clinching the matter.

So Miss Allison entered the conservatory for the purpose of the tкte-а-tкte for the second time that evening.

Mr. James Kane, who had a disconcerting habit of going straight to the point, said bluntly: "Have I offended you?"

"Offended me?" replied Miss Allison in a voice of studied lightness. "Dear me, no! Why should I be offended with you?"

"I don't know," said Jim. "I got the impression during dinner that you weren't liking me much."

"Nonsense!" said Miss Allison bracingly.

"Is it nonsense?" asked Jim.

"Of course. I mean—have you seen the white magnolia?"

"Yes, thanks. Why have you been snubbing me?"

"I don't think I have," said Miss Allison feebly.

"You know you have."

Really , thought Miss Allison, this tкte-а-tкteis worse than the last. She said rather haltingly: "Well, you must remember that I'm in a—I'm in a somewhat difficult position. I'm Mrs. Kane's companion, you know."