'Yes, madam; he seems to have suspected it for some time past.'
'Suspected—that sounds unpleasant.'
Lewie played with the feather in his regimental hat, and his colour deepened, when the Countess said:
'Then he is coming to wait upon me, I presume?'
'Alas—no, madam.'
'Indeed—why?'
'He is averse to the society of ladies.'
'In fact, is a woman-hater, I have heard.'
Lewie smiled feebly, and felt himself in a foolish predicament; so the Countess spoke again.
'He had some disappointment in early life, I believe, and never got over it.'