"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