xious to make the
best of myself. Not that it can conceivably matter."

Mark left the house in a chastened mood, wondering as he walked towards
Burnham Crescent whether it were possible that she had fallen sincerely
in love with Jimmy Clynesworth.

Was it likely that, after all her alarums and excursions, she had found
a resting-place at last; that Carrissima was right when she insisted
that Jimmy had ousted Colonel Faversham, but wrong when she imagined
that Bridget's inducement was his larger income?

"I'm sorry to be so late," said Mark, when at last he entered
Carrissima's presence that evening.

"Oh, it isn't too late," she answered. "My father is out, and I am
thankful for any one to relieve the monotony of things."

"The fact is," Mark explained, "I have a serious case near here. I was
kept rather longer than I anticipated. My third visit to-day!"

"You must be making a rapid fortune," she cried gaily.

"Anyhow, it's a beginning," he said, adding, after a momentary pause,
"I thought you might be surprised to see me at Golfney Place this
afternoon."

"No, I don't know that I was," returned Carrissima. "Just a wee bit,
perhaps; but then, you know, one ought never to feel astonished to meet
a doctor anywhere."

"Oh well, Bridget's not a patient," said Mark, with a smile. "I was on
my way home from Sir Wilford's, when I saw her in a motor-car just by
the corner of Golfney Place. She insisted that I should go in with
her, and because of her importunity I consented."

"Has the carpet arrived yet?" asked Carrissima.

"It was laid while I was out this afternoon," was the answer.

"Well, I hope you approve of my taste."

"It looks first-rate," said Mark. "The room is transformed. I have
some idea of putting up my fees on the strength of it. I should like
you to come and have a look," he added.

"Why, of course," returned Carrissima. "I must ask Phoebe to bring me
one afternoon, and you shall give us some more of those delicious
cakes."

Mark Driver was certainly living in a fool's paradise that evening. He
did not imagine for an instant that he should ever hear of the escapade
again. The incident was ended. Carrissima remained in blissful
ignorance, and he had made his peace with Bridget.

Bliss, however, was far from Carrissima that night. For one thing, she
blamed herself severely for having opened her heart to Sybil
Clynesworth. Although it seemed obvious that Mark had been playing a