"'Pon my word, I've heard nothing," he said, encouragingly.
"Why, all the fellows have been chaffing me," said the simpleton.
"And who is the lady?" asked the captain.
They were ascending the stairs to the smoking-room as the question was asked, and Mr. Smythe flung himself into the most comfortable lounge of the great man's luxurious sanctum ere he answered.
"Don't you know? Can't you guess?"
"Not an idea," said the captain, handing him the cigars. "Come, who is she?"
The little fellow sighed, and replied, with due solemnity:
"Lady Boisdale!"
The captain's eyes flashed. He had wanted a tool! Here was one, ready made to his hand.
"Come," said the captain, pushing the bottle, and eying his dupe keenly, "if you have set your heart upon marrying Lady Ethel Boisdale I think I can help you."