"Why, of course not," she exclaimed. "Still, you will have to hold it
on in the wind."

"Anyhow, that's better than using infernal pins that are a danger to
the community," said Colonel Faversham. "I'll tell you what: next time
I choose a hat I'll get you to come with me."

"I suppose you will be home to lunch," she suggested, telling herself
she was shamefully cunning. But she could not help suspecting that he
was off on some jaunt with Bridget, and no doubt she felt a little
bitter about it.

"Shall I?" he answered, with a laugh. "Don't take too much for
granted. I may get a snack at the club. Anyhow, you had better not
wait."

She understood that he did not intend to return and wondered how she
should dispose of her silver card-case. In no event would she go near
Golfney Place that day! At about noon, however, it arrived from
Donaldson's in a cardboard box, and really seemed too pretty to be
wasted. There, too, were Bridget's initials, neatly engraved on its
face, and, perhaps, after all, Colonel Faversham was reckoning without
his guest. Miss Rosser might refuse to accept his present, whatever it
might be--Carrissima felt very curious to know! She might decline to
go out with him, and then her birthday would be spent in utter
loneliness. Carrissima pictured her with melancholy reminiscences of
her father and mother. Because whatever the girl's faults might be,
she was certainly not lacking in natural affection. Surely some
allowances ought to be made for the circumstances of the case.
Carrissima was excellent at making allowances for people! She was one