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 few seconds abstractedly on the floor. ‘Let me see,’ he added, consulting a pocket-book. ‘I am rather busy just now, Mr Bristley, but if to-morrow week, Saturday, at nine in the evening, would suit, I expect to be at home, and could spare two or three hours for discussion.’

‘I shall be delighted, Cardinal Power,’ he replied. ‘But may I be allowed to introduce to your Eminence my niece Lesbia Newman, and may I further take the great liberty of asking permission to bring her with me? She is fully as capable of taking part in such a discussion as I am, and even more directly concerned in it.’

‘So indeed!’ said the cardinal, regarding our heroine with unusual interest. ‘By all means come with your uncle, Miss Newman,’ he added, smiling, ‘and when he has defeated me, construct a golden bridge for a retreating foe.’

Cardinal Power was then summoned by the hostess to another introduction, and the groups dispersed.

Her friend Lady Friga approached Lesbia in another part of the rooms.

‘I say, Lesbie, would you like to go with me to the Ladies’ Gallery of the House of Commons next Wednesday? My father can give you an order; the Screaming Farce Bill is on, and they expect a shindy.’

‘What, Parliament is still good for that, Fri? Yes, I should like very much to go with you.’

‘Well, I'll drop you a line about Monday evening.’