"Oh, but I say, you know," blurted out her victim, "you really should let me show you round our country. You can have no idea how charming he is."
"Charm depends so much upon one's companion, doesn't it? Now Major----"
"Oh, I know he is delightful," interrupted Jim wrathfully; "at least, you think he is."
"Do I, indeed? And who told you so, may I ask?"
"Nobody; but I have good eyes."
"But not good manners, I fear, Lord Aldean, nor good temper."
Inwardly Jim groaned. "I used to be considered an amiable sort of chap," he said sadly. "But somehow I've gone wrong lately. I miss----, I miss Mallow."
The shaft went home. "Oh, I know how very fond you are of Mr. Mallow. When is he coming back that you may be amiable?"
"I cannot say. He does not tell me in his letters."
"No? Then I presume he intends letting that horrid Mr. Carson marry Olive?"