Brooks laid the two letters down with a curious mixture of sensations. He knew that a very short time ago he might have considered himself brokenhearted, and he knew that as a matter of fact he was nothing of the sort. He answered Lady Caroom's letter first.
"27, JERMYN STREET, W.
"DEAR LADY CAROOM,
"It was very kind of you to write to me, and to send me the news of Sybil's engagement so promptly. I wish her most heartily every happiness. After all, it is the most suitable thing which could have happened.
"You are right in your surmise. After our conversation I realized quite plainly that under my present identity I could not possibly think of Lady Sybil except as a very charming and a very valued friend. I was, therefore, quite prepared for the news which you have sent me.
"I am going for a few days' golf and sea-bathing into Devonshire, so don't waste too much sympathy upon me. My best regards to Lady Sybil. Just now I imagine that she is overwhelmed with good wishes, but if she will add mine to the number, I can assure you and her that I offer them most heartily.
"Yours most sincerely,
"KINGSTON BRGOKS."
"P.S.—Have you heard that your friend the Bishop is going to bring a
Bill before the House of Lords which is to exterminate me altogether?"
Lady Caroom sighed for a moment as she read the letter, but immediately afterwards her face cleared.