She hoped, however, that I should never repeat it or even allude to the matter again, as her dearest wish was to be able to look upon me as her most intimate friend to whom she could always come for sympathy and counsel." "What happened then ?" "Nothing, of course, except that I promised everything that she wished, and mean to stick to it, too.

Naturally, I was very sore and upset, but I am getting over it, having always practised self-control." "I am sorry for you, old fellow." "Are you ?" he asked suspiciously.

"Then perhaps you have tried your luck, too ?" "No, Bickley." His face fell a little at this denial, and he answered: "Well, it would have been scarcely decent if you had, seeing how lately you were married.

But then, so was that artful Bastin.

Perhaps you will get over it--recent marriage, I mean--as he has." He hesitated a while, then went on: "Of course you will, old fellow; I know it, and, what is more, I seem to know that when your turn comes you will get a different answer.