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Well, perhaps you're right. Minxes then--minxes now!"

That's it," said Tuppence. "I'm a frightful minx myself."

I believe you," said the old gentleman, chuckling, and pinched her ear in high

good-humour. Most young women were terrified of the "old bear," as they termed

him. Tuppence's pertness delighted the old misogynist.

Then came the timid archdeacon, a little bewildered by the company in which he

found himself, glad that his daughter was considered to have distinguished

herself, but unable to help glancing at her from time to time with nervous

apprehension. But Tuppence behaved admirably. She forbore to cross her legs,

set a guard upon her tongue, and steadfastly refused to smoke.

Dr. Hall came next, and he was followed by the American Ambassador.

"We might as well sit down," said Julius, when he had introduced all his guests to

each other. "Tuppence, will you----"

He indicated the place of honour with a wave of his hand.

But Tuppence shook her head.

"No--that's Jane's place! When one thinks of how she's held out all these years,

she ought to be made the queen of the feast to-night."

Julius flung her a grateful glance, and Jane came forward shyly to the allotted

seat. Beautiful as she had seemed before, it was as nothing to the loveliness that

now went fully adorned. Tuppence had performed her part faithfully. The model

gown supplied by a famous dressmaker had been entitled "A tiger lily." It was all

golds and reds and browns, and out of it rose the pure column of the girl's white

throat, and the bronze masses of hair that crowned her lovely head. There was

admiration in every eye, as she took her seat.

Soon the supper party was in full swing, and with one accord Tommy was called

upon for a full and complete explanation.

You've been too darned close about the whole business," Julius accused him.

You let on to me that you were off to the Argentine--though I guess you had your

reasons for that. The idea of both you and Tuppence casting me for the part of

Mr. Brown just tickles me to death!"

248

The Secret Adversary