Her mother’s jealousy, too, was something amazing. I hope I’m not conceited, but in those days I was just a little—er—popular, and perhaps I ought not to confess it, a little—er—give me a word.

Gunning.

Human.

[They laugh slightly.

Colonel.

[With affected severity.] Clement, I hope you are not too human?

Parbury.

Quite the contrary, I assure you, Colonel.

Colonel.

Then why—I suppose, after all, it is my duty to ask—why does Mabel come home with me to-night?