ht about--his money, his position and so forth. Well, there's
only one consolation," said Bridget.

"What is that?" demanded Carrissima.

"Jimmy knows better. I can't tell you how, but there's the glorious
fact that he does. All the evidence was against me! I suppose Jimmy
is a kind of seer--oh, of course you can't help smiling at that! But,
then, neither you nor any one else has the slightest idea what there is
in Jimmy. Carrissima, my husband is a clever man who has the
misfortune--if it is really a misfortune--to see both sides of every
question too distinctly! Being a poor partisan, he appears to lack
enthusiasm. But, then, I have a boundless store!"

"I begin to think," said Carrissima, "that none of us imagined all
there was in _you_!"

"Oh, as for me," returned Bridget, "I was simply a little wretch during
the few months you saw anything of me. I honestly believe that was a
kind of interregnum. If you had met me while my father was alive you
would have taken me for a quite different woman. All that is over and
done with and for the rest--well, you will see!"

When Carrissima rose to go away Bridget clung to her hand--

"Jimmy will be immensely disappointed," she exclaimed. "I wish you
would do something to console him by dining with us one evening. Our
space here isn't sufficient for large parties."

"I should be very pleased," said Carrissima.

"Let me see," returned Bridget, knitting her brows, "we were reckless
enough to promise to go to Sandbay from Friday till Monday--my dear
little Dresden china aunts, you remember! It is really very amusing!
Jimmy paid them a visit just after I left Golfney Place and they have
taken quite a fancy to him. The odd part of it is, that he seems to
like them in return. Goodness knows how he will endure three days in a
house where tobacco has always been tabooed. Would next Friday suit
you?"

"Quite nicely," said Carrissima.

"Oh, but Friday is an unlucky day, isn't it?" cried Bridget. "I don't
know whether you are superstitious, although I believe everyone is
about something. Suppose we say Thursday, and if I can't get together
the people I should like to meet you I must write and fix another
evening. If you don't hear to the contrary I shall expect you on
Thursday--at eight o'clock. Or," Bridget added, "perhaps half-past
seven will be more convenient. Yes, please let it be half-past seven."

Carrissima walked back to Grandison Square thinking