"I am quite sure of that," said Towton sarcastically; "your social qualifications are well known. But I asked you if you were engaged to Miss Dimsdale."
"No, I am not, nor am I likely to be."
This was good news, but Towton could not be sure if Maunders was speaking honestly. "Then you intend to marry Miss Corsoon?" said the Colonel.
"I do. But I don't see why you should trouble yourself about my private affairs," said Maunders, insolently cool.
"It was not I who sought this interview. But as you chose to speak to me I have every right to mention a subject which concerns us both."
"And concerns Vernon also."
"Precisely," said Towton with great emphasis. "It is useless to disguise the fact, Mr. Maunders, that we are rivals, and----"
"Pardon me, no," interrupted the young man quickly. "I have been refused by Miss Dimsdale, so the field is open to you."
"Ida refused you?" muttered the Colonel stupefied. "Strange, is it not?" replied Maunders lightly, "but such is the case. I asked her to marry me and she hinted at a previous attachment. I presume she meant-----"
Towton threw up his hand and coloured through his bronzed skin. "We will not mention names, if you please."