"They abuse them thoroughly. My dear boy, it's the way of the world. By the way, you got my note about Victoria?"

Otterburn coloured.

"Yes; I'm very much obliged to you," he replied, in his boyish fashion. "If it is only true what you think, that she does care for me----"

"Of course she cares for you."

"It seems too good to be true."

"Do you think so?" said Gartney, drily. "Oh, I beg your pardon. I forgot you are in love!"

"Cold-blooded cynic," laughed Otterburn, "go thou and do likewise."

"With your awful example before me--hardly," replied Mr. Gartney, with a kindly look in his eyes. "Did I tell you Errington is here to-day?"

"No. Is he really?--and Lady Errington?"

"Oh, she's in the country. But Errington seemed as if he wanted waking up, so I brought him to town with me."