"Jimmy, your presence is demoralizing," answered Carrissima. "Mrs. Reynolds was discussing the influence of democracy on the fine arts, and now you have brought us down to frivolity." "I don't think you know Miss Rosser," said Colonel Faversham, drawing nearer to the empty chair by Bridget's side. "Mr. Clynesworth--Miss Rosser." The colonel would have given something to avoid this presentation, but since Jimmy had unfortunately come, he would not allow Bridget to be left out in the cold. As Jimmy bowed, he coolly took the chair which would have already been occupied, if caution and time had not been desirable this afternoon in Colonel Faversham's movements. "I should have known you anywhere," said Bridget, without the least hesitation. "Your photograph," she explained, as Mrs. Reynolds changed her position to engage her host's attention, "has represented you during your absence. Carrissima was kind enough to fill in the colours." "It's to be hoped she laid them on with a trowel," was the answer, "and gave me a better character than I deserve." "Don't you deserve a good one?" "Oh well, I am not going to give myself away," said Jimmy. "Anyhow, I'm far from deserving this good fortune." Her cheerful laugh brought Colonel Faversham's anxious eyes to her face, and he began to realize the disadvantages of a secret engagement. "I think," she was remarking, "that I used to know Miss Clynesworth." "A liberal education," said Jimmy, "and I hope you will soon improve it. Quite infuriating," he added. "What is?" asked Bridget. "The cussedness of destiny! Weeks have passed since Carrissima came to ask Sybil to look you up. If she had been in London she would have flown to your house; you might graciously have returned her visit; I should have seen you, and precious time would have been saved." "It's never too late to mend," said Bridget. "I mean, of course, for your sister." "You regard me as hopeless?" "You appear to be full of confidence," she answered. "I am," he said, "but naturally Sybil can't go to see you until she knows your address." Hearing her tell him that she was lodging at Number 5, Golfney Place, Colonel Faversham could endure it no longer. Interrupting Mrs. Reynolds' discourse quite rudely, he limped across the room, whereupon Jimmy at once rose to his feet. "Sit down, colonel," he urged. "You will have to give old Mark a turn before you've done." "I have not troubled a doctor for the last ten years," said Colonel Faversham. "Oh, Mark wouldn't mind the trouble," cried Jimmy, and then he began to say "good-bye."