"There is that possibility, certainly."
"Hang him," muttered Towton, referring to Maunders. "Why can't he marry Miss Hest and have done with it."
"Miss Hest has neither the money nor the looks to attract such a gay spark."
"Oh, come now, she's a handsome girl."
"Not in Maunders' way. He likes a weak woman, whom he can bully; and Miss Hest is much too firm and managing a wife for him to risk. By the way, are you going to the ball to-night?"
"Yes." Towton's face lighted up with ridiculous pleasure. "It may give me a chance to----"
"No, don't propose, Colonel. You will only be refused. Take my advice, and wait for a week or so. Maunders may be out of your way by that time!"
"What do you mean, exactly?"
"I am not at liberty to say. But I advise you to wait." Towton played with his bread and cheese. "All right," he said at length. "I place myself in your hands, although I am hanged if I can see what you mean."
"Well," confessed Vernon, rising, "to tell you the truth, I am not very sure myself what I do mean. But I have a kind of instinct that if both of us play a waiting game, Maunders will get the cold shoulder."