"Oh--monstrous!" she murmured.

"Of course, it's unthinkable!"

"Indeed it is not," said Bridget. "If you only knew how I have lain
awake thinking of it. Still, I wouldn't say 'yes.' I have kept the
poor dear man in suspense till your return. He is quite
ridiculously--well, in love with me, I suppose he would call it."

"Obviously you are nothing of the kind," suggested Mark.

"In love--with Colonel Faversham!" she cried, with a laugh. "You know,
Mark, he is most horridly jealous."

"So there's some one else?"

"Only you," she said, and Mark started to his feet.

"Jealous of me! Oh, good Lord!" he exclaimed, and suddenly became
aware that Bridget was keeping him under close observation.

"Idiotic of him, isn't it?" she remarked, continuing hastily, "but you
haven't given me your serious opinion. I want you to make a cool
survey of the situation."

"I thought I had," said Mark. "Of course, you must refuse."

"That is all very well," she urged, "but there's something else you
must tell me. Supposing that I refuse to marry the colonel, what is to
become of me?"