"What did you do after lunch?"

"With a great want of intelligence, I strolled down to Wharton to
see Yvonne, but she was out. They had all gone over to the big
garden party at Temple Brading. I forgot about it--"

"Why weren't you asked?"

"I was asked but I didn't care to go. Now that I am no longer in
my first youth these expensive crushes cease to amuse me."
Bernard gave an incredulous sniff but said nothing. "On my way
home I looked in at the vicarage to settle the day for the school
treat. Isabel has made Jack Bendish promise to help with the
cricket, and she seems to be under the impression that Yvonne
will join in the games. I can hardly believe that anything will
induce Yvonne to play Nuts and May, but if it is to be done that
energetic child will do it. No, I didn't see Val or Mr.
Stafford. Val was over at Red Springs and Mr. Stafford was
preparing his sermon."

"Have you written any letters?"

"I wrote to father and sent him fifty pounds. It was out of my
own allowance. He seems even harder up than usual. I'm afraid
the latest system is not profitable."

"I should not think it would be, for Mr. Selincourt," replied
Bernard Clowes politely. "Monte Carlo never does pay unless one's
pretty sharp, and your father hasn't the brains of a flea. Was