“Oh, he don’t mind, sir. He’s not a marrying man—I am.” “And you intend to marry Zoe?” “If she’ll have me, sir.” “I don’t think there’s much fear of that, Dick,” replied Maurice genially. “I hope not, sir, but women are queer creatures.” “They are, indeed, Dick,” answered Maurice, with a sigh, thinking of Helena and her dexterity in avoiding his wooing, yet keeping him a fast captive in her chains. “What I’d like you to do, sir,” said Dick reflectively, “is to have the gloves on with Mr. Caliphronas.” “Why so?” For answer Dick pointed to his own swollen face, and grinned meaningly, whereupon Maurice walked away, laughing to think of the Count’s handsome countenance in such a scarred condition. The shooting was going on splendidly, and all the Melnosians proved themselves good marksmen, more or less, while Justinian himself was a crack shot, and made one centre after the other in a most surprising manner. “Will you have a try, Maurice?” he said, when the young man reached him. “Not to-day, sir. I’m too shaky after that fight, and wish to keep up all my strength for the high jump.” “You have a tough antagonist in Caliphronas.” “I know that,” rejoined Maurice uneasily, “but I’m hanged if I’ll let him beat me. His bragging would never cease. Bravo, Crispin!” Crispin had just made a bull’s eye, and was rejoicing in a modest way over his success, so Maurice, to encourage him, patted his shoulder. “What a pity Eunice is not here to see!” said Roylands, laughing. “I’m afraid Eunice would not appreciate my skill!” “My dear lad, she would appreciate anything you did.” “I don’t think her mother would!” “As long as you have twelve thousand a year, Mrs. Dengelton will think you an Admirable Crichton.” “Not without a name!” “You have a name as good as any in England,” said Justinian, touching the poet on the shoulder, “and what it is I will tell you, when all these troubles are over.” This was the first time the Demarch had spoken so plainly, and Crispin was much rejoiced thereat. “I am quite content, for I know you will keep your promise.” “You are right!” rejoined Justinian proudly. “I never break a promise, unless with regard to Punic faith.” Caliphronas heard this saying, but of course did not understand the significance of the remark, and strolled away in order to look at the high jump, which was being put up near the throne of Justinian. The shooting being at an end, the rest of the party followed, and took their seats for the final contest of the day, which was to be the competition of the Greek and the Englishman in the high jump.