"We sailed under our true colors there--"
"But," interrupted Sir Percival, "the same flag is still flying, old man."
"Ah," said his lordship, "while that is true, it must be remembered that they do not understand its meaning down here. I haven't much to brag of in the way of morals, more is the pity, but no woman has ever wept of shame from my wrong doing, nor will a woman ever do so."
Sir Percival gave his companion a smile of interrogation.
"And I?" he asked.
"I am not so sure about you," responded Lord Brooking, deliberately, "but in London, where you are known, the folly of a girl in trusting you would be so inexcusable that indiscretion upon your part might be readily condoned; but here in this peaceful, simple old town it is very different."
"Come to the point, Brooking. You are almost tiresomely wordy to-day."
"It amounts to this, Percy. I have done some things I 'm heartily ashamed of and I intend in the future to be a better fellow."
"Very commendable, indeed," observed the baronet, a trifle bored, "Does my approval encourage you?"
"What do you intend to do with Bessie Dyke?" demanded the younger man, halting as he spoke.