Is it your opinion," turning to him, "that Saul Jacobi and his sister have any designs on my friend Cedric Templeton ?" Hugh Rossiter opened his eyes rather widely at this.

"Well, I suppose so--at least, Jacobi means her to marry him.

Whew," with a droll gesture, "this is getting a trifle hot--you will be telling me next that you did not know they are engaged." "Engaged! My good sir, excuse me, but this is no joke." Mrs.Godfrey's face grew anxious.

"You never told us that, Mr.
Rossiter," she said rather reproachfully.
"I am not sure that I should have let the cat out of the bag now," he replied with a laugh, "if Mr.Herrick had not asked such a direct question.

I am not one for meddling in other folks' business; but as this seems a grave matter, and my friend Saul is evidently playing the dark horse, I will tell you the little I know." "I shall be obliged to you if you will do so," returned Malcolm, and Hugh Rossiter nodded good-humouredly.
"Well, then, I was dining at Gresham Gardens about a fortnight ago, and Jacobi told me in the course of conversation that his sister had never been to Oxford, and that they meant to run down for a day or two, and that a friend of theirs had offered to be showman and pilot them about the place." Malcolm muttered something, and Mr.Rossiter stopped and looked at him inquiringly; but as he remained silent he resumed his narrative.
"They put up at the 'Ranelagh,' and had a good old time, and I believe, from a word Jacobi dropped, that the job was done then.