He found that gentleman in rather a perturbed state of mind, soothing himself with a cigar, as he lounged in his vest and trousers on a luxurious sofa, in his elegantly-furnished room, the walls of which were covered with coloured engravings of horses and ballet-girls. A tall crystal goblet on the table bore evident traces of brandy and seltzer-water having been recently imbibed therefrom. "So, after all that has occurred, you won’t meet Norcliff, as he wishes?" asked Jack, after the matter had been thoroughly gone into. "Aw—decidedly not," said he, emitting his words and a slender volume of smoke slowly together. "In Britain, at least, as the law stands now, I can scarcely blame you, Mr. Berkeley," said Studhome, stiffly; "but as the orders from London stand, we are soon to leave, and something must be done in the matter; for, as it is at present, you cannot both remain in the same regiment." "Aw—doocid good that," replied Berkeley, twirling up his moustache; "but—aw—who is the muff that is to quit it, now that we have orders of readiness?" "You, sir," said Jack, rather perplexed. "Thank you; but—aw—beg to decline. And this mysterious something which must be done—aw—eh?" "I would recommend a candid confession on your part; such an explanation, in writing, as my friend, Captain Norcliff, may show to Lady Loftus and then commit to the flames, or return it to you." "The deuce!" drawled Berkeley, holding his cigar at arm’s length, and wheeling the sofa half round, to have a better view of our adjutant. "Is there any other little thing you would like?" "I think not, sir." "My good friend, Studhome, you are, I have not a doubt, a very excellent adjutant, well up in lance, sword, and pistol exercise—knowing how to ’set a squadron in the field,’ like the amiable Othello; but you—aw—aw—must really permit me to be the best judge of my own affairs." Studhome bowed haughtily, and then stood, cap and whip in hand, erect; so Berkeley resumed— "You are aware of the whispers concerning Norcliff and that girl, Agnes Auriol—isn’t that her name?" "Yes, sir; I am aware there have been malicious whispers, and I have my eyes now on the circulator of them." "Very good," said Berkeley, colouring slightly; "they are very current among the 16th Lancers and 8th Hussars. I have known a little of the girl; but have—aw—tired of her now. We all tire, my dear fellow, of such affairs in time. Take a cigar—aw—you won’t—what a bore! well, so my advice to your irritated Scotch friend would be that, as she is at perfect liberty to leave my protection, she may enter quietly upon his; so there is an end to the doocid affair." "So you may affect to think," said Studhome, eyeing the lounger with angry scorn.