l some day make blest. Regarding
which I think a toast might be appropriate--pray charge your glasses
and I----" Sir Benjamin paused and turned as with a perfunctory knock
the Sergeant re-appeared.

"Your honour," said he, "my Lady Belinda Damain with Lady Carlyon to
see you."

The Major caught his breath, then sat upright his square chin showing a
little grim.

"You will tell their ladyships that I present my humble respects and
thanks but regret I am unable to see them."

"Sir?" said the Sergeant, staring.

"Go, Sergeant!"

"Jack!" exclaimed the Colonel as the door closed "why, Jack!"

"Sir!" answered the Major, his eyes very keen and bright.

"P-petticoats, man--two of 'em--doctor's orders! O rot me!" spluttered
the Colonel.

"Gentlemen," said the Major, smiling wearily, "pray charge your glasses
for Sir Benjamin's toast."

"Major d'Arcy, sir," said Sir Benjamin, bowing from his chair, "permit
me to say that I applaud the delicacy of your feelings. We lovers who
have wooed and lost, alas! Ods my life, sir, 'twas well done--honour
me!" And he extended his snuff-box. "Sir," he continued, when they
had bowed and snuffed together, "summer is on the wane and with the
summer we, like the swallows, shall desert these rural solitudes. A
week hence, instead of perambulating bosky Westerham we shall most of
us be jolting over the cobblestones of London--but we shall one and all
treasure a lively memory of your friendship and trust that it may be
renewed from time to time. Meanwhile, ere we fly hence, it is our
united hope that you, together with my Lord Cleeve will honour us again
with your company to supper on an early date----"

"A Gad, sir, we will that!" nodded the Colonel. "Speaking for myself I
thank you heartily, and speaking for Jack, I say he shall come if I
have to carry him there and back again."

"And now, Sir Benjamin," said the Major, "pray give us your toast."

Sir Benjamin rose, glass in one hand, lace handkerchief in the other.

"We have all here, I think, with the exception of the gallant Colonel,
essayed our fortune with my lady Betty, and with equal ahem! equally
deplorable lack of success. 'Twould seem that she is determined on
according to no one of us here that felicity we have, each one, dreamed
of and sought for. But she is young and 'tis but to be expected that
one day some happier man shall succeed where we have failed. Now sirs,
as lovers, as gentlemen and sportsmen tr