It was, of course, quite evident to Mr. Cottrell that Jim Bloxam had not as yet disclosed to his own people his engagement to Sylla Chipchase; and so delighted was Mr. Cottrell with the theatrical effect that he had just produced, that he felt the sooner he diverted himself by the production of another "situation" the better. He had crossed over to Lady Mary with no other object than the benevolent design of giving Blanche and Lionel an opportunity of clearing up their difference. He accordingly suggested to Lady Mary that they should take a turn forward and see what was going on in that part of the boat. "It is not only that I wanted you to see what is going on in the fore part of the ship, but I want you not to see what is going on aft. I want to open your eyes to Mrs. Wriothesley's machinations, and to steel your heart against Lionel Beauchamp's perfidy." "Lionel Beauchamp's perfidy! Good gracious, Pansey, what do you mean?" "That I will lay you a small wager Lionel Beauchamp has stolen your daughter from you before we get back--no, don't interrupt me. Those foolish young people, finding their courtship was running too smooth, indulged themselves in the luxury of a mock quarrel--about what, shall we say?--well, a packet of lemon-drops would about represent the state of the case. However, as you know, quarrels about nothing sometimes assume portentous proportions; but I am happy to think that I have just put things right between those two." "I only hope what you tell me is true. You know how much I have Blanche's settlement at heart." "Yes, there is something about water parties that predisposes to flirtation. Atlantic voyages and trips to India are notorious for fostering such sweet frivolity. I really feel quite afraid of walking about to-day for dread of unknowingly interfering. It wouldn't be discreet, for instance, to intrude upon that couple so snugly ensconced under the shelter of the paddle-box. I don't know, but he is telling her secrets, I presume." "Why, it is Sylla Chipchase!" exclaimed Lady Mary. "I cannot see who is her victim; but of course she would never neglect such a golden opportunity as to-day's." "Hush!" replied Cottrell, drily; "the companion of her delinquency, remember, is Jim." "Why, you surely don't mean to tell me----" exclaimed Lady Mary. "Very much so," rejoined Cottrell; "and the sooner you make up your mind to take it _au serieux_ the better." Poor Lady Mary! Mr. Cottrell's dramatic disclosures were getting a little too much for her. Before they had reached Westminster Bridge Blanche and Sylla knew that they were to be sisters, and there had been much quiet laughter amongst the four whom it chiefly concerned about the story of the cigar-case. "I still don't understand," said Beauchamp, "why you should have so resented my keeping Sylla's commission secret?" "And never will, Lionel, until you comprehend of what a jealous woman's imagination is capable."