"A broad hint for me to go," cried Carrissima, backing towards the door, with the most painful curiosity.
"Well, what is it?" demanded Colonel Faversham, as soon as he was alone with Jimmy.
"I am going to ask you a straight question!" was the answer. "I have heard of your engagement——"
"Who the devil told you?" exclaimed Colonel Faversham, sitting suddenly erect.
"Well, you know," said Jimmy, "I imagine there was only one person who had it in her power to tell me."
"Bridget, you mean?"
"Yes," replied Jimmy.
"When was that?"
"Just after you left her yesterday morning."
Rising from his chair, Colonel Faversham seemed to pull himself together. He blew out his cheeks, put back his shoulders and fixed his eyeglass as if he wished to examine Jimmy more distinctly.