of a few weeks, and then, if I am unsuccessful, my visits cease."

"And if you're successful, am I to have the pleasure of your company for
the rest of my life?" demanded the captain.

"That will be for you to decide," was the reply. "Is it a bargain?"

The captain looked at him and deliberated. "All right. Mondays and
Thursdays," he said, laconically.

Hardy saw through the ruse, and countered.

"Now Swann is ill I can't always get away when I wish," he said, easily.
"I'll just drop in when I can. Good day."

He opened the door and, fearful lest the other should alter his mind at
the last moment, walked briskly down the path to the gate. The captain
stood for some time after his departure deep in thought, and then
returned to the garden to be skilfully catechized by Miss Nugent.

"And when my young friend comes with his pipe you'll be in another room,"
he concluded, warningly.

Miss Nugent looked up and patted his cheek tenderly. "What a talent for
organization you have," she remarked, softly. "A place for everything
and everything in its place. The idea of his taking such a fancy to
you!"

The captain coughed and eyed her suspiciously. He had been careful not
to tell her Hardy's reasons for coming, but he had a shrewd idea that his