"Oh, if you pin your faith to the thermometer, I've nothing more to say," replied Otterburn, throwing himself back in his chair with the air of a man who has crushed his opponent.
"I haven't the least idea what you are talking about," observed Eustace leisurely, "and judging from what I've overheard you both seem to be in the same predicament."
"We'll discuss it later on," said Otterburn gaily. "What a pity I can't come out with you to Africa, Laxton, and settle the argument that way."
"Well, why don't you come?" demanded Laxton quickly.
Otterburn reddened and laughed in an embarrassed fashion, while Eustace threw a roguish glance at him, and made answer for the bashful lover.
"Don't you bother your head, Laxton There are more important things than shooting expeditions in this world--at least, Otterburn thinks so."
Laxton was quite in the dark regarding the meaning of these mystic utterances, when it suddenly dawned on him that the lady whom Otterburn had spoken about in America might have something to do with the turn the conversation had taken, and lifted his glass with a smile as he looked towards Macjean.
"To the health of the something more important than shooting expeditions," he said gravely, and finished the wine.
"Thank you," responded Otterburn laughing. "May I some day drink the same health to you?"
"Never!"