“Oh, nothing, of course!” He paused for a moment and looked away from her. Then he burst out, but as if to himself: “It was Colonel Richardson who came dangling after you four years ago. You always liked him.” “Harry, don’t be so absurd as to be jealous of Colonel Richardson! Indeed you have never had the slightest cause to be so.” “How can I be sure of that?” said he, turning upon her suddenly. “One thing I am certain of--that is, that, during these four years that you have been away from me, you have met somebody you liked better than me. I don’t say it was unnatural--I don’t say I’m surprised; but I say that I know I’m right, and I’ll find out who it is, as sure as I’m your husband! You say I’ve no need to be jealous of any actor--and I don’t myself think you would lower yourself as far as that----” “You forget that I’m an actress,” said Annie, composedly. “Were an actress; but you’re not one now,” answered he, hastily. “Well, if you never cared for any actor, why not for Colonel Richardson? He is handsome, and knows how to talk to you about the things you like.” “But I have told you already that I never cared for Colonel Richardson: and your persistent jealousy is an insult to me when I tell you it has no foundation. He belongs to a type of man which has no attraction for me.” “What type’s that?” “He is an idler; and I have worked too long and too hard myself not to despise idleness in a man.” Harry gave a grunt of disapproval. “I suppose you call me an idler.” “Well, I don’t think you are much else,” said she, smiling. “It seems to me, Annie, you expect a precious deal too much of a man,” he grumbled presently, in an injured tone. “To please you he must slave like a nigger, whether he has any need to work or not, and read himself blind over the dullest trash that ever was printed, and never talk about anything he himself likes, but chatter by the yard about things that haven’t the least interest, and beam all over with smiles when he is annoyed.” Annie laughed. “I don’t think I ever expected all that of anybody, and certainly not of you, Harry.” And weary of this useless discussion, she left the room as Stephen entered it. The friendship between her and the cripple had never been great, and he was now rather jealous of her position in the household, which had become stronger than that of his adored Lilian, with whom, however, he had begun of late to have serious quarrels. Harry had let slip the fact that it was Stephen who had informed him of Colonel Richardson’s presence in Beckham, which had so needlessly excited his jealousy. Annie wondered what his object could have been. When she left them together, Harry jumped up from his chair and faced his cousin. “What do you come tormenting me for with your humbugging stories about Annie and Richardson? She doesn’t care a straw for the fellow!” “Doesn’t she? Oh, that’s all right!” said Stephen, meaningly.