"Yes, there is something about water parties that predisposes to
flirtation. Atlantic voyages and trips to India are notorious for
fostering such sweet frivolity. I really feel quite afraid of walking
about to-day for dread of unknowingly interfering. It wouldn't be
discreet, for instance, to intrude upon that couple so snugly ensconced
under the shelter of the paddle-box. I don't know, but he is telling
her secrets, I presume."

"Why, it is Sylla Chipchase!" exclaimed Lady Mary. "I cannot see who
is her victim; but of course she would never neglect such a golden
opportunity as to-day's."

"Hush!" replied Cottrell, drily; "the companion of her delinquency,
remember, is Jim."

"Why, you surely don't mean to tell me----" exclaimed Lady Mary.

"Very much so," rejoined Cottrell; "and the sooner you make up your
mind to take it _au serieux_ the better."

Poor Lady Mary! Mr. Cottrell's dramatic disclosures were getting a
little too much for her.

Before they had reached Westminster Bridge Blanche and Sylla knew that
they were to be sisters, and there had been much quiet laughter amongst
the four whom it chiefly concerned about the story of the cigar-case.

"I still don't understand," said Beauchamp, "why you should have so
resented my keeping Sylla's commission secret?"

"And never will, Lionel, until you comprehend of what a jealous woman's
imagination is capable."

"I can't see," whispered Jim, "why I was kept so long out of my
cigar-case?"

It was in his possession at last.

"O you stupid Jim!" said Sylla softly, "don't you see it was so easy to
give it you before I knew I loved you, and----"

"Well, and what?" inquired Bloxam.

"It was so difficult afterwards, until I knew you loved me."

The bells of Todborough rang bravely out one morning early in the
autumn for a double marriage, and, as Mr. Cottrell wickedly whispered
to one of his intimates, for the Millennium besides. The lion was
lying down with the lamb. Mrs. Wriothesley was an honoured guest at
the Grange.

THE END.

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