"My good—my dear Mrs. Parish," said he, correcting himself hastily, and rising urbanely from his chair, "we are at cross purposes. I mean young Edmonstone; you mean, I suppose, Mr. Miles. A thousand apologies."
Mrs. Parish was only partially appeased.
"Oh, if you mean that young gentleman, I can assure you he has absolutely no chance. Has he said good-bye, too, then?"
"Yes. He says he is going back to Australia."
"I said he would!" exclaimed Mrs. Parish with gusto.
"But—I say! You surely don't mean that it is Mr. Miles Alice cares for?"
Mrs. Parish smiled superior.
"Has it not been patent?"
"Not to me, madam!" said Colonel Bristo warmly.
"Love on both sides; I might say at first sight. I watched it dawn, and last night I thought it had reached high noon," the old lady declared with emotion. "But this unfortunate summons! Still, I think we shall see him again before he sails, and I think he will come back to England for good before long."