"See here, Colonel," remarked his companion straightly; "I guess what you are driving at from your coupling of those names. May I speak out?" "Yes." Towton nodded away the waiter who had brought his soup. "You are in love with Miss Dimsdale, and Maunders is paying her attentions." "Quite so. May I add, on my part, that you are in love with Miss Corsoon, and that the same gentleman is your rival?" Vernon nodded and pushed away his empty plate. "I think we have cleared the ground for action," he said significantly. "I am obliged to you for your candour," said Towton courteously; "and I knew from your reputation that you would meet me half-way. It is not easy for an elderly man, such as I am, to speak of his love for a young girl. But as I am devoted to her, and you are devoted to Miss Corsoon, it seemed to me that we might join forces against that handsome young scamp, who is playing fast and loose with the affections of both the girls. On this ground, I ventured to take the liberty of speaking to you on so private a subject." "I am very glad that you did so, Colonel. Our united actions may be of great service to the ladies in question. Maunders----" He hesitated generously. "I know," interrupted Towton abruptly, "that young gentleman's reputation is as bad as yours is good. Even if I did not love Miss Dimsdale, I should feel justified in doing my best to save her from that scamp. You can tell him that I said so, if you like." "What? Give our plans away to our common enemy," said Vernon jokingly. "That would scarcely be wise. Maunders is as clever as the devil." "And as unscrupulous. But let us be frank. Which of these girls does he love, in your opinion?" "What love he can spare from himself he gives to Miss Corsoon; but he is after Miss Dimsdale's fortune." "I thought so. She is infatuated with him, worse luck. And Miss Corsoon?" "She and I understand one another," said Vernon with some reserve. "I am not afraid of Maunders in that quarter, although he has good looks and a great charm of manner. We are talking of very delicate matters, Colonel." "I know we are; I know we are." Towton flicked his napkin irritably. "Ladies' names shouldn't be mentioned between gentlemen. I am rather a Turk in that respect; but as this young gentleman will make both of them miserable, and is a thorn in your flesh as in mine, we must between ourselves put delicacy on one side. What do you propose to do?" "I don't know," said Vernon, crumbling his bread dismally. "Lady Corsoon certainly will not let her daughter marry a poor man such as I am. What are your plans, Colonel?" "I don't know," repeated Towton, equally dismally. "Miss Dimsdale is crazy about Maunders, and will not cast a glance at me. The father is on my side, however, so I have some chance." "You may take it as certain," said Vernon with decision, "that Dimsdale will never consent to his daughter becoming Mrs. Maunders." "She may defy him." "There is that possibility, certainly."