Such services as Springfield has rendered can't go
long unrewarded, and in these days seniority does not count so much. By
the way, what has become of our eccentric friend Edgecumbe?'

'Don't you know. Have you heard nothing about him?' and I turned quickly
to Springfield as I spoke.

'I saw him nearly three weeks ago,' he replied; 'it seems he was not fit
for work, and came to London on leave. I saw him twice, I think, and
took him to one or two clubs. Since then I have lost sight of him.'

'And heard nothing about him?' I asked, looking at him steadily.

'Nothing at all. Sir Thomas, it is nearly time for us to go, but there
is time for another liqueur. We can meet the ladies in the vestibule.'

I accompanied Lorna Bolivick a few steps down the room, while Lady
Bolivick went a little ahead.

'Am I to congratulate you, Lorna?' I said. 'Forgive me, I am taking you
at your word.'

She gave me a quick look, which I could not understand, and then replied,
'I start nursing again next week.'

'You know what I mean,' I persisted, and I laughed as I spoke.
'Springfield looks a very happy man.'

'Don't speak that way.' she replied; 'at least not yet.'

'Why?' I asked; and then, overstepping the bounds of good taste, I went
on, 'Edgecumbe told me all about it.'

'Did he? I am so sorry. But--but--come and see us, won't you? We are
staying at the Carlton. We shall be there three days more. I want to
talk to you. Good night,' and she rushed away.

When I returned to the table, I found that the waiter had replenished the
liqueur glasses, and I saw, not only by the empty champagne bottle, but
by Springfield's eyes, that his libations had been liberal.

'By the way, Luscombe,' he said, 'do _you_ know where Edgecumbe is? Has
he returned to duty?'

Before I could reply, Sir Thomas, fortunately I thought, burst in with
another question, 'What do you really make of that fellow Edgecumbe?'

'One of the bravest, finest, and most conscientious men I ever met,' I
replied.

Springfield laughed mockingly.

'Why, is not that your opinion?' and I looked at him steadily.

'A man is bound to think kindly of a man who has saved his life. Because
of that I tried to be friendly to him. He was staying at that Y.M.C.A.
show for penniless officers, and I thought I'd do him a good turn,
but--but----' he hesitated.

'But what?' I asked.

'Of course I know little of him. I never saw him until I met him down at
Sir Th