He waited impatiently. On Thursday, Jack Hibbert, who tormented him unmercifully, informed him that he had an invitation for the Lascelles'. "Hope they'll never find out I've any connection with you," he remarked, audaciously. "Hope not, for my sake," growled Everitt. Finding that nothing came from Mrs Marchmont, on Friday morning he started for the Park, and strolled along the Row till he caught sight of his cousin riding a bay mare, and surrounded by friends. The first time of passing, she did not see him; but as she came down again she caught sight of Everitt, and rode up to the railings. "Well?" he said, eagerly. She shook her head. "I'm dreadfully disappointed. I've done my very best, but they won't hear of it. I've been there, and I've seen Mrs Lascelles and Kitty, and said everything I could think of." "Has it annoyed them so much?" said Everitt, flushing. "I don't know about annoyed. They are not angry, and I think they understand how it was done; but--perhaps it's natural, Charlie--they don't fancy an acquaintance begun in that fashion. It _would_ be awkward, you must allow, just at first. Kitty wouldn't know whether she was talking to her model or to you yourself. I think by-and-by we might get over it quietly; but just at present I really don't see what to do." Everitt stared gloomily at a group beyond him. "You understand how it is, don't you?" said his cousin, anxiously. "Oh, it's clear enough, you needn't fear. I made a fool of myself, and yet I can't regret it." He looked at Mrs Marchmont, and suddenly burst out laughing. "Do you think any one was ever in such a ridiculous position?" "I am partly responsible," she said. "What will you do?" "Get right again somehow," he replied, briefly. "Do you mean you will give it up?" "I mean that if I can I shall marry Miss Kitty Lascelles." "Oh, Charlie," said Mrs Marchmont, drawing a deep breath, "I like you ever so much! Tell me how I can help." "Here are the others," said Everitt, standing upright. "I'll let you know, Mary, when I've thought it out." The day was grey and showery; the changing silvery lights bringing out the colours of the great banks of rhododendrons massed together in the Park. Everitt walked for some time up and down under the trees, trying to see his way out of his absurd difficulties. They were absurd, but they were not pleasant. To have your acquaintance declined is to receive something very like a slap in the face; the next step forward does not present itself very naturally. However, he was not the man to flinch at an obstacle.