"In fact, my dear Lorrequer," he continued, "without wishing in the least to obtrude myself upon your confidence, I must yet be permitted to say, you are the luckiest fellow in Europe, and I most sincerely congratulate you on the prospect before you." "But, my dear Colonel, I assure you--" "Well, well, there--not a word more; don't blush now.

I know there is always a kind of secrecy thought necessary on these occasions, for the sake of other parties; so let us pass to your plans.

From what I have collected, you have not yet proposed formally.

But, of course you desire a leave.

You'll not quit the army, I trust; no necessity for that; such influence as yours can always appoint you to an unattached commission." "Once more let me protest, sir, that though for certain reasons most desirous to obtain a leave of absence, I have not the most remote--" "That's right, quite right; I am sincerely gratified to hear you say so, and so will be Lord Callonby; for he likes the service." And thus was my last effort at a disclaimer cut short by the loquacious little colonel, who regarded my unfinished sentence as a concurrence with his own opinion.
"Allah il Allah," thought I, "it is my Lord Callonby's own plot; and his friend Colonel Cardon aids and abets him." "Now, Lorrequer," resumed the colonel, "let us proceed.