of them, according to the manner of men, and now-- He almost thought sometimes that Nora was colder and more distant to him than she had been before marriage, but that seemed an impossibility. She preserved the proprieties in public with the greatest care, was always courteous, and even respectful to him, before company--listened quietly whilst he spoke, and deferred to his opinion in everything. But when they were alone, she was just as courteous, that was all; and if he pressed his attentions on her, was apt to show the least signs of peevishness, or weariness, or sudden illness, which never exhibited itself on other occasions. But men in the flush of a new love are satisfied with very little, and Nora’s indifference only served to keep the flame bright and burning. One day, as she was reclining in her wicker chair, surrounded by her court, she gave vent to the wish that they had brought her favourite sister, Susie, with them, as she was sure she would have enjoyed herself so much. ‘I wish we had,’ acquiesced Ilfracombe heartily. ‘And I wish I had brought my old chum, Jack Portland, with me too! I invited him to come out with me on the _Débutante_, but that would have entailed his missing the Derby, and I don’t believe Jack would enter heaven, if he had the chance, if the Derby had yet to be run!’ ‘Ay! _if_ he had the chance--which I much doubt he ever will have,’ laughed Captain Knyvett. ‘Jack--who?’ demanded Nora. ‘Jack Portland, my darling,’ replied her husband, ‘I must have mentioned him to you, surely! He’s one of my greatest friends, we’ve been a lot together, on the turf and elsewhere. Jack’s one of the most reliable prophets I ever came across. He can always give a fellow the straight tip, and he’s marvellously correct; isn’t he, Castelton?’ ‘Oh, yes, very good, when he likes,’ acquiesced that gentleman. ‘Oh, come Castelton, that’s not fair,’ cried the earl; ‘old Jack’s always ready to oblige a chum, and I never knew him to make a wrong un. I know he’s won me pots of money, over and over again!’ ‘And lost them for you too, Ilfracombe,’ replied Mr Castelton. ‘Are we likely to see much of this immaculate being on our return to England?’ inquired the countess in a rather tart tone. ‘He does not appear to me to be a very desirable acquaintance.’ ‘Oh, my darling, you are quite mistaken,’ exclaimed Ilfracombe. ‘Poor old Jack is the best-natured fellow in the world. I am sure you will like him immensely. You mustn’t think that he obtrudes his sporting proclivities on the drawing-room. No man knows better how to behave in the company of ladies than Jack Portland--indeed, he has rather a character for liking their society too much. See the mischief you have done, Castelton! You have made my wife’s lip curl at the mere idea of our sporting friend.’ ‘Indeed, Mr Castelton has done nothing of the sort, Ilfracombe, for, as it happens, I already know Mr Portland, though I had no idea he was one of your friends.’