"No; I never even knew if they were engaged. But when I joined my ship again at Callao, every one said 'marriage'--they were so uncommonly thick. I must ask Berring."
"I'm sure he'll be delighted to afford you the information you seek," was Lady Jim's ironical reply.
"Have you seen Mrs. Berring?" asked the young man, eagerly.
"No; I don't think any Mrs. Berring is stopping here."
"Then perhaps he did not marry Lola, after all," cried Askew, rising hastily, and with flashing eyes, "unless"--his voice fell--"she is dead."
Leah yawned. "Really, I don't know," she replied; "you had better ask Mr. Berring. I see he is passing out of the garden with Mrs. Penworthy."
"In that case I can't spoil sport," laughed the lieutenant, with an obvious effort; "but later on."
"Later on, of course," she said, rising. "Here comes your uncle."
Lord Sargon advanced, and, with an apologetic look towards Leah, took Askew's arm. "I wish to present you to Lady Canvey," he said.
The young man looked towards his charmer. "Will you permit me to leave you for a time?"