y cared about.
It is true he had spoken to Bridget of his high regard for candour, but
even that by no means equalled his regard for herself.

Whatever she had done, and Jimmy perceived that she must have treated
Colonel Faversham less than well, this was not the time for criticism.
The salient fact was that she had shaken herself free! Such a
desirable end appeared to excuse almost any means. Bridget's
disappearance did not in the least alarm him. There would be little
difficulty in finding her again; the point was that he had become
justified in undertaking the search.

Having thanked and tipped Miller, Jimmy set about the quest at once,
and determined to take the bull by the horns. He would go to Grandison
Square in the first place, see Colonel Faversham, and ascertain beyond
a doubt that the coast was clear. Colonel Faversham, too, or
Carrissima might perchance be able to suggest some clue to Bridget's
hiding-place.

CHAPTER XXI

JIMMY SETS TO WORK

"Is Colonel Faversham at home?" asked Jimmy.

"Do you wish to see him!" said Carrissima.

"Well, yes," was the answer, "I do--rather particularly."

"Because he is not in the very best mood for a visitor," said
Carrissima. "At the present moment he is shut up in his smoking-room.
I give you a fair warning, Jimmy!"

"I think I shall have to risk it," he returned.

"Oh dear!" exclaimed Carrissima. "How tremendously curious you make
me! Although I'm entirely in the dark, I feel certain that important
events are happening. You see, Jimmy, my father is constantly at
Golfney Place--so are you! This morning he came home unusually
early--actually with a large parcel in his hand. He had a face like
ever so many thunder-clouds. Do you think there has been any sort
of--of disagreement between Bridget and the colonel?"

"Why, yes," said Jimmy, "I fancy you've hit the mark!"

"I wish you wouldn't be so dreadfully mysterious," she answered. "Now,
why can't you tell me what it is all about?"

He could not see his way to gratify her. Bridget had insisted that the
engagement had remained a secret at Colonel Faversham's wish, and Jimmy
had no wish to make things unpleasant for him at home. He had told
Sybil, it was true, but probably he would not even have enlightened his
sister if he had taken time for reflection.

"Do you think," asked Jimmy, instead of replying to Carrissima's
question, "that Bridget would be likely to go abroad again?"

"Jimmy,