"We were at school together."
"And a friend of the Corsoons," pursued Towton, distinctly ill at ease, as if he felt that he was taking a liberty.
"See here, Colonel," remarked his companion straightly; "I guess what you are driving at from your coupling of those names. May I speak out?"
"Yes." Towton nodded away the waiter who had brought his soup.
"You are in love with Miss Dimsdale, and Maunders is paying her attentions."
"Quite so. May I add, on my part, that you are in love with Miss Corsoon, and that the same gentleman is your rival?"
Vernon nodded and pushed away his empty plate. "I think we have cleared the ground for action," he said significantly.
"I am obliged to you for your candour," said Towton courteously; "and I knew from your reputation that you would meet me half-way. It is not easy for an elderly man, such as I am, to speak of his love for a young girl. But as I am devoted to her, and you are devoted to Miss Corsoon, it seemed to me that we might join forces against that handsome young scamp, who is playing fast and loose with the affections of both the girls. On this ground, I ventured to take the liberty of speaking to you on so private a subject."
"I am very glad that you did so, Colonel. Our united actions may be of great service to the ladies in question. Maunders----" He hesitated generously.
"I know," interrupted Towton abruptly, "that young gentleman's reputation is as bad as yours is good. Even if I did not love Miss Dimsdale, I should feel justified in doing my best to save her from that scamp. You can tell him that I said so, if you like."