But if it was more frequent than any pang of conscience connected with the remembrance of Gordon himself, this last sentiment was certainly lively enough to make it a great relief to hear at last a rumor that the excellent fellow was about to be married.

The rumor reached him at Athens; it was vague and indirect, and it omitted the name of his betrothed.

But Bernard made the most of it, and took comfort in the thought that his friend had recovered his spirits and his appetite for matrimony..