whom I have the utmost confidence."

"That is, of course, enough," said I.

"It appears, Mr. Carter--and you will excuse me if I speak
plainly--(I set my teeth) that you have, in the first place,
given to my son's bride a wedding present, which I can only
describe as--"

"A pearl ornament," I interposed; "with a ruby or two, and--"

"A pearl heart," she corrected; "er--fractured, and that you
explained that this absurd article represented your heart."

"Mere badinage," said I.

"In execrably bad taste," said she.

I bowed.

"In fact, most offensive. But that is not the worst. From my
son's further statements it appears that on one occasion, at
least, he found you and Miss Foster engaged in what I can only
call--"

I raised my hand in protest. The Countess took no notice.

"What I can only call romping."

"Romping!" I cried.