"You are older than I am, you know," she laughed, "and a Q.C.And you know you would be my trustee and my boy's guardian if anything ever happened to Sir Timothy.

He told me so long ago.

And he reminded me of it to-day most solemnly.

I suppose he was afraid I shouldn't treat you with proper respect." "He has honoured me very highly," said John.

"In that case, it would be almost my--my duty to advise you in any difficulty that might arise, wouldn't it ?" "That means you want to advise me now ?" "Frankly, it does." "And are _you_ going to tell me that I ought to stay at home, and let my only boy leave England without bidding him God-speed ?" said Lady Mary incredulously.