Mellersh led the way at a good brisk pace along the parade, and they had not gone far before they became aware of the tall figure of the Master of the Ceremonies showing himself, as was his wont, king of the place apparently, and bowing and acknowledging bows. Richard Linnell drew his breath with a slight hiss, but there was no avoiding the encounter, and as they drew near and raised their hats, there was a smile and most courteous bow for Colonel Mellersh, and the most distant of salutes for his companion. "Old impostor," said the Colonel, as they took the first turning and made for the country beyond the Downs. "No," said Richard Linnell gravely, "I don't think him that. He is a gentleman at heart, fond of his children, and his ways are forced upon him by his position." "Fond of his children! Bah! As objects of merchandise. I tell you, Dick, I hate the man." "And when you hate a man you are unjust." "Not here. My dear Dick, you look at old Denville through rose-coloured glasses. Pah! I detest him, and, by Jove, sir, I don't acquit him of some knowledge of that terrible affair at his house." "Colonel Mellersh!" "My dear boy!" They walked on in silence for a few minutes, and then, clear now of the town, Colonel Mellersh exclaimed: "My dear Dick, you have always known my feelings regarding this unfortunate attachment." "Yes," said the young man sadly. "She is very beautiful, but see how she has been brought up. Look at her sister--a weak, vain, foolish child more than a married woman, about whom there is bound to be some scandal soon." "Can the sister help that?" "Look at the brother; that careless young ne'er-do-weel, who is to be trained up in his father's steps." "Poverty seems to be their greatest sin," replied Richard quietly. "Then, there is another son, who quarrelled with the father and went off and enlisted. My dear Dick, is such a family one that you ought to enter?" "My dear Colonel," said Richard with a sad smile, "I do not seem likely to enter it. You saw the look old Denville gave me. But, for heaven's sake, don't throw out hints again about that murder." "Very well, but you must promise me that there shall be an end to all this infatuation. I speak as your father's oldest and dearest friend, and as one who feels as if he had a share in you--you reckless wild young scapegrace." "I can promise nothing," said Richard coldly. "Not now that you have been dragged into this serious affair?" "Miss Denville has dragged me into no serious affair. Her conduct to me has always been that of a refined and modest lady." "My dear boy! Have you forgotten that this has been going on between her and Rockley for months?" "There is nothing between Major Rockley and Miss Denville," said Richard hoarsely; and his cheeks began to burn and his eyes to flash. "Dick! Have you forgotten the serenade that night?" "Have I forgotten it!" cried Richard fiercely. "Well, what does that show?"