t in a world of
things of that sort what is one to expect? It is just like all the
rest, and I have given up thinking about it altogether. I hope _you_
have, Captain Bowels?"

"Not quite, but very nearly," replied the gallant captain.

"Dinner at last," said Colonel Crusty, as the gong sounded its hideous
though welcome alarm. "Captain Bowels, will you take my daughter? Miss
Stuart, allow me. Sorry we've got no one for _you_, Mr Stuart."

Kenneth fancied there was a touch of irony in the last observation, but
he did not feel jealous, for two reasons--first, he knew, (from Miss
Peppy), that the captain was no favourite with Colonel Crusty, and was
only tolerated because of having been introduced by an intimate friend
and old school companion of the former; and, second, being already in
love with another, he did not wish to have the honour of handing Bella
down to dinner at all.

During dinner Miss Peppy reminded Kenneth that he had promised to go to
the Sailors' Home that evening with the parcel which Mrs Gaff wished to
be delivered to her cousin George Dollins. Bella remarked, in a sweet
voice, that Sir Kenneth's promises were not to be relied on, and that it
would be wiser to transfer the trust to Captain Bowels, a proposal which
the gallant captain received with a laugh and a _sotto voce_ remark to
Bella that his fidelity to promises depended on the youth and beauty of
the lady to whom they were made.

Soon after the ladies retired Kenneth rose, and, apologising for leaving
the table so early, set forth on his mission.

The night was calm and pleasant, but dark--a few stars alone rendering
the darkness visible. Kenneth had to pass through the garden of the
colonel's house before reaching the road that led to the heart of the
town where the Sailors' Home was situated. He felt sad that evening,
unusually so, and wandered in the grounds for some time in a meditative
mood.

There was a bower at the extremity of the garden to which, during the
few days of his visit, he had frequently repaired with the volatile
Bella. He entered it now, and sat down. Presently there was a rustle
among the leaves behind him, and a light hand was laid on his shoulder.

"Faithless man!" said Bella in a tremulous voice, "I have been expecting
you for half-an-hour at least. My portmanteau is packed, and I only
await the word from you, dearest Charles--"

"Charles!" exclaimed Kenneth, starting up.

Bella uttered a suppresse