"Gracious powers, William Wilders! have you fallen into that woman's
clutches?"

"I must ask you, Lord Essendine, to speak more respectfully of the
lady I propose to make my wife."

"You had better not! I warn you while there is yet time."

"What do you know against her?" asked the colonel, hotly.

"What do you know of or for her?" replied the peer, quickly. "I tell
you, man, it's a disgrace to the family. Lady Essendine will be
furious. If I had any authority over you I would forbid the marriage.
In any case," he went on, "do not look for any countenance or support
from me."

"I hope we shall be able to get on without your assistance, Lord
Essendine. I thought it my duty to inform you of my marriage, and I
think I might have been better received."

"Stay, you idiot; don't go off in a huff. I don't like the match, I
tell you frankly; but I don't want to quarrel. Is there anything I can
do for you, except attending the wedding? I won't do that."

Colonel Wilders could not bring himself to ask any favours of his
unsympathetic kinsman. Nevertheless, it was through Lord Essendine's
interest that he obtained a snug staff appointment in one of the large
garrison towns; and he did not return indignantly the very handsome
cheque paid in by his cousin to his account as a wedding present.