racing, and Hay responded. Mrs.
Krill alone seemed shocked. "I don't believe in gambling," she said
icily.

"I hope you are not very down on it," said Hay. "Lord George and I
propose to play bridge with you ladies in the next room."

"Maud can play and Miss Qian," said the widow. "I'll talk to Mr. Beecot,
unless he prefers the fascination of the green cloth."

"I would rather talk to you," replied Paul, bowing.

Mrs. Krill nodded, and then went out of the room with the younger
ladies. The three gentlemen filled their glasses with port, and Hay
passed round a box of cigars. Soon they were smoking and chatting, in a
most amicable fashion. Lord George talked a great deal about racing and
cards, and his bad luck with both. Hay said very little and every now
and then cast a glance at Paul, to see how he was taking the
conversation. At length, when Sandal became a trifle vehement on the
subject of his losses, Hay abruptly changed the subject, by refilling
his glass and those of his companions. "I want you to drink to the
health of my future bride," he said.

"What," cried Paul, staring, "Miss Krill?"

"The same," responded Hay, coldly. "You see I have taken your advice and
intend to settle. Pash presented me to the ladies when next they came to
his office, and since then I have been almost constantly with them. Miss
Krill's affections were disengaged, and she, therefore, with her
mother's consent, became my promised wife."

"I wish you joy," said Lord George, draining his glass and filling
another, "and, by Jove! for your sake, I hope she's got money."

"Oh, yes, she's well off," said Hay, calmly, "and you, Paul?"

"I congratulate you, of course," stammered Beecot, dazed; "but it's so
sudden. You haven't known her above a month."

"Five weeks or so," said Hay, smiling, and sinking his voice lower, he
added, "I can't afford to let grass grow under my feet. This young ass
here might snap her up, and Mrs. Krill would only be too glad to secure
a title for Maud."

"I say," said Lord George suddenly, and waking from a brown study, "who
is Mrs. Krill? I've heard the name."

"It's not an uncommon name," said Hay, untruthfully and quickly. "She is
a rich widow who has lately come to London."

"Where did she come from?"

"I can't tell you that. From the wilds of Yorkshire I believe. You had
better ask her."

"Oh, by Jove, no, I wouldn't be so rude. But I seem to know the name."
Paul privately thought that if he rea