Stanbury having to commence without any assistance from outward auxiliaries, almost forgot what it was that he had promised to do.
"I have just come from Curzon Street," he said.
"Well!" "At least I was there about two hours ago." "It doesn't matter, I suppose, whether it was two hours or two minutes," said Trevelyan.
"Not in the least.

The fact is this; I happened to come upon the two girls there, when they were very unhappy, and your wife asked me to come and say a word or two to you." "Was Colonel Osborne there ?" "No; I had met him in the street a minute or two before." "Well, now; look here, Stanbury.

If you'll take my advice, you'll keep your hands out of this.

It is not but that I regard you as being as good a friend as I have in the world; but, to own the truth, I cannot put up with interference between myself and my wife." "Of course you understand that I only come as a messenger." [Illustration: "I only come as a messenger."] "You had better not be a messenger in such a cause.

If she has anything to say she can say it to myself." "Am I to understand that you will not listen to me ?" "I had rather not." "I think you are wrong," said Stanbury.
"In that matter you must allow me to judge for myself.