it rather early in the year for him to be wearing a straw hat in London.

Of course he stopped to speak. Jimmy was not the man to allow any one
he knew to pass by, although for once in a way Carrissima would sooner
have avoided the encounter.

"Have you heard from Sybil lately?" she asked.

"Oh yes, she's still with old Lady Ramsbottom--enjoying herself to the
top of her bent, no doubt! You may be certain Sybil's having a
rattling good time! She always revels in illness. Goodness knows when
I shall see her again. Where are you bound for?" asked Jimmy, as
Carrissima showed signs of impatience.

"For home and tea," was the answer.

"Let me give you some," he urged, walking on by her side.

"No, thank you, Jimmy!"

"Carrissima," he said, with a glance at her profile, "what in the
world's the matter?"

"Why, nothing, of course!"

"Oh yes, there's something," he insisted. "I flatter myself I'm good
at reading faces, you know, and yours is always interesting--one never
has to read between the lines."

"Does that mean I wear my heart on my sleeve?" she demanded.