'His cousin?' questioned the other and Hammersley's heart at the same time.
'Yes—the handsome Miss Melfort with the funny name—Finella Melfort.'
'So they are engaged?'
'I believe so; but I don't think from all I hear that the Major has much of a vocation for domesticity.'
'Even with Finella?'
'Even with Finella,' replied the other, laughing.
Hammersley felt a dark frown gather on his brow to hear her Christian name—his property as he deemed it—used in this off-hand fashion, and he felt a violent inclination to punch his brother-officer's head. However, he only moved his chair away from the vicinity of the speakers, but not before he heard one of them say to Garallan:
'Been to many dances since your return? England, you know, expects every marriageable bachelor to do his duty.'
'The season is over,' replied the Major curtly; and then added, 'you forget that I am on leave—the sick list, with a Medical Board before me yet.'
'What a bore! But you are bound for some festive scene to-night, I presume?'