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 or a tea, it doesn't matter, they can be pushed on one side, like a dubious oyster; but at dinner they must to some extent establish themselves in the general eye."

"But why do you want me to go with you?" persisted Beresford.

"I require moral courage, Richard, and your clothes are newer than mine. Apart from that, for a poor relation you are really quite presentable."

"Thanks," said Beresford drily.

"For another thing I want a setting."

"A setting!"

"The Aunt is rather obvious in her choice of men. For instance, to-night she will have a wonderful collection of undesirables. They will either have no hair on their heads, or hair all over their faces, like retired naval officers—celibate, of course. They are bound to be old and dull."

"But why the" began Beresford.

"One moment," Drewitt raised a protesting hand. "She desires that I shall have no rival to my charms. That is why I'm taking you. I want to demonstrate to all whom it may concern that I can shine, even in the presence of another presentable man."

"Aunt Caroline won't like it," said Beresford dubiously.

"As she never likes anything, your presence will not cause any deviation from the normal."

"But I thought you said it was a dinner," said Beresford.

"It was and is; but I gave a miss in baulk to the