"How absurd," cried Kate, coloring, "there never was the least probability of such a finale to their acquaintance."
"I discovered as much from Effingham's conversation this morning," said the Colonel, significantly, "though," he added, laughingly, "I confess, notwithstanding some experience on these points, my observation was quite at fault as to his object in—but," interrupting himself, "I am growing terribly indiscreet, Miss Vernon. Effingham was sorry some engagement, I do not know what, prevented him from calling upon you to-day—and I strongly advised him to defer that pleasure."
"I do not wish to see Lord Effingham," said Kate, gravely.
The Colonel raised his eye-brows, and smiled.
"Tell me, if I miss Lady Desmond in Dublin, how shall I get on her track? Is there any shooting or fishing in the neighbourhood—is Castle Desmond beyond the reach of Bianconi's cars?—for, if I remember rightly, they are the most extended ramifications of civilisation in your splendid country."
The entrance of Mrs. Storey cut short his enquiries.
"Colonel Dashwood, Mrs. Storey," said Kate, "you remember Colonel Dashwood perhaps."
"Oh, quite well," replied Mrs. Storey, with one or two little bobbing curtseys, as she took the chair handed her by that polite individual. "I am very sorry Mr. Storey is not at home, and we might, perhaps, induce the Colonel to stop dinner with us."
"A thousand thanks, my dear madam; but I must dine with the Guards to-day, and only ran down here to ask Miss Vernon's commands for Ireland."