It was the stupidity of a clever fellow, deluding himself with the notion that having refused the role of lover, he could at least play that of guardian and adviser; whose conscience, moreover, was so absolutely clear on the subject of Elizabeth Bremerton that he did not even begin to suspect what was rankling In the girl's morbid sense.
The relation between them accordingly went from bad to worse; and when Pamela rose and sharply put an end to their private conversation, the evening would have practically ended in a quarrel but for some final saving instinct on Chicksands' part, which made him mention Desmond as he bade her good-night.
'I could tell you where he is,' he said gravely.

'Only I mustn't.

I had a note from him yesterday--the dear old boy! He wrote in the highest spirits.

His colonel was "ripping," and his men, of course, the best in the whole battery.' 'If you get any news--ever--before we do,' said Pamela, suddenly choking, 'you'll tell us at once ?' 'Trust me.

He's never out of my mind.' On that her good-night was less cold than it would have been five minutes before.