Parkington smiled. "Herford simply amuses me," he said. "I always want to laugh, when he grows sarcastic. He hits my funny-bone instead of my temper. I suppose, for my own reputation, I should call him out, but, to my mind, a spanking would be more appropriate." "Exactly our judgment," remarked Snowden. "And, yet, he is an excellent officer, with a first-class record in active service." "So Maynadier tells me," said Parkington. "Just now, he is infatuated with the Governor's niece, and has a quarrel with every one who looks at her," observed Constable. "And, on that score," (smiling) "he has fair ground for being a trifle touchy with you." Parkington laughed, and accepted the charge. It was just as well, if he could direct attention to Miss Stirling, while he was making his way with Judith. A little later, Miss Marbury chanced upon him, seemingly by accident--in fact, by intention--as he was passing to the card-room on the lower floor, and, presently, they were strolling back and forth in the rose-walk. "Sir Edward, I want to ask you something--and I want you to give me a true answer," she said. "I always strive to make true answer to you," he replied. "Do you? Well, I am not so sure. However, be truthful now, and I forgive the past." She turned and faced him. "What were Mr. Constable and Captain Herford and you discussing a little while ago?" "Many things," he answered--"sort of a desultory gossip without point." "And among the 'things' were the Marburys. Mr. Constable was talking. He said: 'Old Marbury, for instance. He is new. How do we know his name is Marbury? He says it is, but we do not know.' I did not hear more--I could not help that I heard so much. I was passing behind the hedge, and his words came to me, before I could realize they were not for my ears." "My dear Miss Marbury, he was only citing an instance to prove a general proposition!" Parkington exclaimed. "We were not discussing any one. Had you heard the last of his remarks, you would have understood. They were, 'we take almost every one on faith.' I am sure----" "I am not sensitive," she interrupted. "I know we are new people--that my father is the founder of his family--that we have to stand, George and I, on our own merits, and father's money. I have great faith in the latter, Sir Edward!" she laughed. "It will get me a husband from among the aristocrats of the Province, if I wish it." "It will do more--it and your sweetness will get you a husband from the gentlemen of England," he said, with a meaning look and a low bow. "If I went to London, and hawked myself around for sale, maybe," she answered, deliberately misunderstanding him. "Why go so far, my lady?" he asked. This time, there was no misunderstanding possible, but she still continued to treat it as impersonal.