"I don't like to show my hand," remarked Griff, taking an illustration from his favourite pursuit, "but in this case I'll treat you as a partner and do so. I know why you want to speak to me."
"Do you?" said Eustace imperturbably.
"Yes! She"--referring to Mrs. Veilsturm--"is no doubt making the running with Sir Guy Errington to an extent which surprises you, and you want to know the reason."
"Seeing that my cousin is not rich enough to tempt either Mrs. V. or yourself, I do," returned Eustace with brutal candour.
Whereupon, the Major, like the daring old campaigner he was, told Gartney the whole story of the card episode, to which he listened attentively, and saw clearly the pit into which he had innocently led his cousin.
"Well, Mr. Gartney," said Griff, when the story was finished and Eustace made no remark, "what do you say?"
Eustace took out his watch and glanced at the time before replying. Then he replaced it in his pocket and answered the Major.
"At present, I say nothing; later on, I may."
"Oh, ho!" quoth Griff sharply, "then you have some idea----"
"I have no idea whatever," replied Gartney sharply. "Your story was quite new to me. I brought my cousin here innocently enough, and if Mrs. Veilsturm thinks him sufficiently handsome to captivate, that's her business, not mine."