"If I consent to the inquiry I pay for the inquiry."
Hugh demurred. "Even if I turn out mistaken?"
"You make me in any event your proper charge."
The young man thought again, and then as for vague accommodation: "Oh, my charge won't be high!"
"Ah," Mr. Bender protested, "it ought to be handsome if the thing's marked up!" After which he looked at his watch. "But I guess I've got to go, Lord Theign, though your lovely old Duchess—for it's to her I've lost my heart—does cry out for me again."
"You'll find her then still there," Lord John observed with emphasis, but with his eyes for the time on Lord Theign; "and if you want another look at her I'll presently come and take one too."
"I'll order your car to the garden-front," Lord Theign added to this; "you'll reach it from the saloon, but I'll see you again first."
Mr. Bender glared as with the round full force of his pair of motor lamps. "Well, if you're ready to talk about anything, I am. Good-bye, Mr. Crimble."
