These words drove relief from the disinterested Jack’s heart, and instantly set up in its place a raging jealousy. But he compelled himself to remark, quite easily, “You don’t say!”

Ido confirmed his statement with a nod that was almost a bow.

“A very pretty girl,” Jack commented, loftily.

Ido’s reply was confined to a mere “Yes.” There was no use going into ecstasies when no bargain was in sight.

“I think I’ll go around to see her, and congratulate her,” Jack went on. “Where does she live?”

“I regretfully cannot tell.”

“Ah, well, let it go then. But, say, I really would like to see her again before she’s married. Rather took a fancy to her, you know. Couldn’t you bring her to call on me to-morrow morning?”

“I going to be very busy to-morrow.” Seeing no chance of earning a marriage-fee, he saw no reason for taking the trip.

“I’ll pay you for your trouble—needn’t worry about that.”

Perhaps Ido could arrange to come; yes, now that he thought again, he knew he could come.