'I can take a hint,' said I.
'I wish you'd take warning,' said Mrs Hilary.
'I will take my leave,' said I—and I did, leaving Mrs. Hilary in a tragic attitude in the middle of the room. Never again shall I go out of my way to lull Mrs. Hilary's suspicions.
A day or two after this very trying interview Lady Mickleham's victoria happened to stop opposite where I was seated in the park. I went to pay my respects.
'Do you mean to leave me nothing in the world?' I asked, just by way of introducing the subject of Mrs. Hilary. 'One of my best friends has turned me out of her house on your account.'
'Oh, do tell me,' said Dolly, dimpling all over her face.
So I told her; I made the story as long as I could for reasons connected with the dimples.
'What fun!' exclaimed Dolly. 'I told you at the time that a young unmarried person like you ought to be more careful.'
'I am just debating,' I observed, 'whether to sacrifice you.'
'To sacrifice me, Mr. Carter?'
'Of course,' I explained; 'if I dropped you Mrs. Hilary would let me come again.'
'How charming that would be!' cried Dolly. 'You would enjoy her nice serious conversation—all about Hilary!'
'She is apt,' I conceded, 'to touch on Hilary. But she is very picturesque.'
'Oh, yes, she's handsome,' said Dolly.
There was a pause. Then Dolly said, 'Well?'
