"What she expects, God knows, but there is something not all square about you, Wilton."
"My dear fellow, do you want me to call you out?"
"You must just go your own way, which, no doubt, you would in any case; but I am off on Monday next to pay my sister a visit. I have put her off from time to time, but I must go now."
"By Jove, I shall be quite desolate! And will you not return, old fellow?"
"I think not. At any rate, I shall not be able to come north again till near Christmas; and I hardly suppose you will be here then."
"That depends," said Wilton, thoughtfully.
"On what?" asked the major, quickly.
"Oh! the sport—my own whims—the general attractions of the neighborhood."
"——the attractions of the neighborhood!" cried Moncrief, profanely. "Why do you not make up to Lady Mary or Lady Susan Mowbray? They are nice girls and no mistake; just the very thing for you. But I am a fool to trouble myself about you; only I have always looked after you since you joined. However, you are old enough to take care of yourself."