" she answered seriously, "wherever she may have gone, you will
be wise to take my advice."

"What is that?"

"To make no attempt to follow her!"

Jimmy laughed at this, and reminded Carrissima of his wish to speak to
Colonel Faversham. Somewhat reluctantly she accompanied him
down-stairs again, and opened the door of the smoking-room, taking the
precaution to make as much noise as possible with the handle.

Colonel Faversham looked the embodiment of dejection, when at last,
followed by Jimmy, she entered his room. He was sitting in an
easy-chair, leaning forward with his hands to his head. All his usual
exuberance appeared to have left him; he looked quite old and feeble.
Seeing Jimmy, he scowled fiercely, making no attempt to rise or to
offer his hand.

"Good-morning, colonel," said the visitor cheerfully. "Sorry if I am
disturbing you, but I wanted a few words, if you can spare a minute."

"A broad hint for me to go," cried Carrissima, backing towards the
door, with the most painful curiosity.

"Well, what is it?" demanded Colonel Faversham, as soon as he was alone
with Jimmy.

"I am going to ask you a straight question!" was the answer. "I have
heard of your engagement----"

"Who the devil told you?" exclaimed Colonel Faversham, sitting suddenly
erect.

"Well, you know," said Jimmy, "I imagine there was only one person who
had it in her power to tell me."

"Bridget, you mean?"

"Yes," replied Jimmy.

"When was that?"

"Just after you left her yesterday morning."

Rising from his chair, Colonel Faversham seemed to pull himself
together. He blew out his cheeks, put back his shoulders and fixed his
eyeglass as if he wished to examine Jimmy more distinctly.

"I should like to know," he said, "what my engagement has to do with
you!"

"Nothing in the world," returned Jimmy, "if it still exists. That is
all I am anxious to hear--whether it does or not."

Colonel Faversham stood glaring into Jimmy's face. So it was true, as
he had suspected, that he had been thrown over for the benefit of this
confounded fellow, who had the audacity to catechize him! Well, the
battle was to the young! Colonel Faversham set it down to that. He
must be growing old, hang it all! and here was Jimmy Clynesworth, whom
he had nursed as a small boy, civil enough, as far as that went, but
probably laughing in his sleeve, as those who win may.

"Jimmy," said the colonel, with a chastened and rather pathetic air, "