n to make the one-legged papa a handsome allowance of
the most liberal description, but all my offers were received with
scorn, as she informed me her heart was given to another, a beggarly
Lieutenant in a marching regiment. I humiliated myself by even proposing
a second time, when dear old wooden-leg threatened--the humour was
unconscious--to kick me out of the house. Gentlemen, either through
disappointment or chagrin, I felt my heart was broken, and I vowed one
day to avenge it. That day did arrive, and I took advantage of it. Here
is my record," and thereupon he held up to the view of his audience the
ebony stick on which was cut a series of notches. "You will see here a
number of notches. At present they number forty-eight, and each notch
represents a broken heart. Number 1, is that of a haughty young damsel
who had cut me on various occasions. Number 2, is that of the girl I
loved, now an officer's wife. Number 3, is that of her husband, for they
are separated." He continued to tick them off, giving each a short
description with comments of almost diabolical cynicism. "I have two
more in view," he continued, "and when I have completed my record of
fifty, I intend to take a long rest and go for a trip to the Colonies. I
think that is all I can say."

Wyck resumed his seat amid tremendous cheering, maintained for several
moments. His enthusiastic friends surrounded and complimented him.

When silence was restored the President called upon the second
candidate, Sir Charles Keyning.

"I beg to withdraw in favour of Wyck," said that youthful worthy. The
remainder of the candidates, unable to sustain their own triumphs
against such a crushing list, also resigned their claims, and Villiers
Wyckliffe was unanimously awarded the coveted badge.

In the small hours of the morning the meeting broke up, and Villiers,
the Major, Tommy, and a few more of the choicer spirits adjourned to
Wyck's rooms to finish with a few hours' card-playing.

CHAPTER II.

CONFIDENCES.

Some time after mid-day the next morning, Wyck awoke with the unpleasant
sensation that his head was of abnormal size, his throat very dry, and
altogether he felt and looked extremely seedy. A brandy-and-soda and a
cold tub eased him somewhat, and he managed to get through his dressing
and lounge daintily through his breakfast. A knock at the door was
followed by the entrance of Tommy.

"How do, old boy; head a bit thick?" was that youthful spark's