Colonel Colquhoun had lunched at mess that day, and Evadne did not see him until quite late, when she met him on the Barraca with the Guthrie Brimstons.
It was the hour when the Barraca is thronged, and Evadne had gone with a purpose, expecting to find him there.
He left the Guthrie Brimstons and joined her as soon as she appeared.
"I have been home to look for you," he said, "but I found that you had gone out without an escort, no one knew where."
"I have been making calls," Evadne answered—"and making Mrs. Clarence's acquaintance also. Oh, there she is, leaning against that arch with her husband. Have you met her yet? Let me introduce you. She is charmingly pretty, but very timid."
Colonel Colquhoun's brow contracted.
"I thought Mrs. Guthrie Brimston had warned you—"
"Warned me?" Evadne quietly interposed. "Mrs. Guthrie Brimston brought me a scandalous story which had the effect of making me call on Mrs. Clarence at once. I suppose you have seen this precious Major Lopside's letter?"
"Yes," he answered. "And I am sorry you called without consulting me. You really ought to have consulted me. It will make it doubly awkward for you, having called. But we'll rush the fellow. I'll make him send in his papers at once."
"Why is it awkward for me—what is awkward for me?" Evadne asked.