'Why so sad, old fellow? You're down on your luck, somehow,' said he.
'Because, Graham,' replied Cameron, with a forced smile, 'there are times when I am inclined to ask with Mr. Mallock, "Is life worth living?"'
'Of course it is—but how with you?'
'Well,' replied Cameron, with whom just then one bitter thought was more than usually keen, 'dipped nigh to sinking as my place of Stratherroch is, I don't see so much to live for, and certainly deuced little to live upon.'
'Don't take this gloomy view, old fellow,' said Allan, cheerfully.
'It is very well for you to take a jolly view of the world, Allan—you, the son of a peer, and engaged to——'
'Take heart, man; we've lots of life before us—life in Egypt perhaps. There is Eveline sitting alone; take another turn with her, and then we'll have some of Mumms' extra dry together.'
Eveline had opened an album as Cameron drew near her, but closed it instantly as the first photo that met her eyes was a fine cabinet one of Sir Paget. There was an expression of pensive sweetness in her otherwise radiant face, for she, poor girl, never for a moment forgot that a parting—too probably a final one it might prove—was close at hand now, and, after the two past delightful months, how dreary would the future seem!
'Are you tired?' said a tender voice in her ear; 'it is our dance, I think—but would you rather sit it out?'
'A little promenade rather.'