"I suppose so. You see it was this way: we were talking about certain swabs of whom we were ashamed, and he mentioned you."
"Don't tell him I am here," said Bob quietly.
"Why?"
"Never mind—don't; I daresay he will find out soon enough."
"Anyhow," said Pickford, "he is awfully popular with himself just now; I hear he is certain to be a Major in a few days, and will be Colonel in no time. You know he is engaged?"
"Engaged? To whom?"
"You know her—old Tresize's daughter; Nancy, I think her name is. Of course you know her: Penwennack, her father's place, is close by St. Ia."
"And—and is he engaged to her?"
"Yes," replied Pickford.
"Did he tell you so himself?"