"I've been told that Mr Mawley is going to get married." "Well, that's news to me," she said.

"I haven't heard it before.

But what if he _is_ going to be married--are you so sorry on his account, or for the lady ?" she continued, in a bantering tone--she always liked a bit of a joke--"I never thought you took such an interest in Mr Mawley!" "I'm sure I don't know," I said.

"It has surprised me, that's all." "_So_ it has me, Frank," said she.

"Who told you ?" "I don't know whether I ought to tell, Miss Pimpernell," I replied, hesitatingly.