"So I understand," was the stiff reply.
"I believe she will remain there for one month."
"Possibly she will."
Maunders was not discouraged. "Have you any message for her," he asked.
"Why do you ask?" demanded the Colonel, sitting up abruptly.
"Because Francis Hest--you know, the brother of Miss Dimsdale's friend--has asked me down to Gerby Hall. I am going there at the end of the week for a few days. I thought you might have a message for Miss Dimsdale."
"There is such a thing as the post," said Towton, exasperated by the young man's cool assurance. He took up the magazine again, then hesitated and threw it on the table. Averse as the Colonel was to discuss his private affairs with anyone, and least of all with Maunders, whom he so frankly hated, he felt that he ought to take advantage of this chance to learn exactly what was Maunders' attitude towards Ida. "Am I to understand that you are engaged to Miss Dimsdale?" he asked sharply.
"Why should you think that?" asked Constantine negligently.
"Why, indeed! Considering that one day you profess to be paying attentions to Miss Corsoon and the next pay your addresses to Miss Dimsdale. But as you are going down to Gerby Hall it looks as though you inclined to marry the latter young lady."
"No," said Maunders indolently and looking at Towton through half-closed eyelids. "I am going to see Francis Hest, who is a friend of mine. But I daresay Miss Hest and Miss Dimsdale find it dull, so I may be able to amuse them a trifle."