And if my expression, as I gazed past this Englishman at Vesuvius, was one of sad resignation, there was nothing in the situation to exhilarate anybody. The impassive countenance of Mr. Mafferton was disturbed by a ray of concern. The moonlight enabled me to see it quite clearly. "Pray, Miss Wick," he said, "do not think that. Who was it that wrote----" "A little humour now and then Is relished by the wisest men." "I don't know," I said, "but there's something about it that makes me think it is English in its origin. Do you _really_ endorse it?" "Certainly I do. And your liveliness, Miss Wick, if I may say so, is certainly one of your accomplishments. It is to some extent a racial characteristic. You share it with Mr. Dod." I glanced in the direction of the other two. "They seem desperately bored with each other," I said. "They are not saying anything. Shall we join them?" "Dod is probably sulking because I am monopolising you. Mrs. Portheris, you see, has let me into the secret"--Mr. Mafferton looked _very_ arch--"By all means, if you think he ought to be humoured." "No," I said firmly, "humouring is very bad for Dicky. But I don't think he should be allowed to wreak his ill-temper on Isabel." "I have noticed a certain lack of power to take the initiative about Miss Portheris," said Mr. Mafferton coldly, "especially when her mother is not with her. She seems quite unable to extricate herself from situations like the present." "She is so young," I said apologetically, "and besides, I don't think you could expect her to go quite away and leave us here together, you know. She would naturally have foolish ideas. She doesn't know anything about our irrevocable Past." "Why should she care?" asked Mr. Mafferton hypocritically. "Oh," I said. "I don't know, I'm sure. Only Mrs. Portheris----" "She is certainly a charming girl," said Mr. Mafferton. "And _so_ well brought up," said I. "Ye-es. Perhaps a little self-contained." "She has no need to rely upon her conversation." I observed. "I don't know. The fact is----" "What is the fact?" I asked softly. "After all that has passed I think I may claim your confidence, Mr. Mafferton." I had some difficulty afterwards in justifying this, but it seemed entirely appropriate at the time. "The fact is, that up to three weeks ago I believed Miss Portheris to be the incarnation of so many unassuming virtues and personal charms that I was almost ready to make a fresh bid for domestic happiness in her society. I have for some time wished to marry----" "I know," I said sympathetically. "But during the last three weeks I have become a little uncertain." "There shouldn't be the _slightest_ uncertainty," I observed. "Marriage in England is such a permanent institution." "I have known it to last for years even in the United States," I sighed. "And it is a serious responsibility to undertake to reciprocate in full the devotion of an attached wife."