diagrams on the table-cloth with the salt-spoon, "knowing me as you do,
what course should you advise me to adopt?"

"You mean, Mr. George,--speaking as between man and man of course,--you
mean that you are in the unfortunate position of being--crossed in your
affections, sir?"

"Also--heart-broken, Baxter."

"Certainly, sir!"

"Miss Marchmont marries the Duke of Hyde,--in three weeks, Baxter."

"Indeed, sir!"

"You were, I believe, aware of the fact that Miss Marchmont and I were
as good as engaged?"

"I had--hem!--gathered as much, sir."

"Then--confound it all, Baxter!--why aren't you surprised?"

"I am quite--over-come, sir!" said Baxter, stooping to recover the
salt-spoon which had slipped to the floor.

"Consequently," pursued Bellew, "I am--er--broken-hearted, as I told
you--"

"Certainly, sir."