"I certainly never thought you did, and I think it is only his banter."
"Neither Marjorie nor I could have so disgraced ourselves. Did you not see the school-girls behind us? I was ashamed of my sex."
"When you write Corry for me, you must give him a talking to for that."
"Very well; where was I, oh, yes, 'Tuesday morning.'"
I send a few lines by post. If there is anything in the world I can do for you, Wilks, let me know. If my presence can help you at all, I'll run up at a moment's warning. Love to all at Bridesdale. Sorry I made an ass of myself running away. Mail closes and must stop.
Your affectionate friend,
Eugene Coristine.
P.S.—Tell Errol to keep that pipe as a memorial of a poor deluded wretch who had hoped one day to call him by the paternal name. Fancy having the good minister for a step father-in-law! No such luck, as Toner would say. Adieu E.C.
"Is she fond of him, Cecile?"
"Yes, very much so."
"Is it not a pity, when they think so much of one another, that a mere trifle should keep them apart, perhaps for ever?"
"Yes it is, but I am not sorry for Marjorie. Kind heart and all, she ought to have had more sense and more forbearance than to have openly preferred that selfish creature, Mr. Lamb, to your warm-hearted friend."
"Corry is the soul of honour and generosity, Cecile, in spite of his hideous taste in language."