-"

"Who--Verty?"

"Yes, sir."

Ralph burst out laughing.

"What are you laughing at?" asked Jinks, with dignity.

"At your falling in love with Redbud Summers."

"I am not, sir; perhaps in light moments I may have made that youthful
damsel a few gallant speeches; but I did not refer to her, sir."

"To whom, then?"

"To the perfidious Sallianna."

"Oh!" cried Ralph, restraining his laughter by a powerful effort.

"What surprises you, sir?"

"Nothing."

"You laugh."

"Can't help it. The idea of your thinking Verty your rival in the
affections of Miss Sallianna! Jinks, my boy, you are blinded with
love--open your eyes, and don't think you can see while they are
closed. I tell you, Verty is in love with Redbud--I know it, sir. Or,
if he is not with Redbud, it's Fanny. No, I don't think it is Fanny,"
murmured Ralph, with a thoughtful expression; "I think I'm safe there.
A dangerous rival!"

And Ralph smiled at his own thoughts.

"What did you say, sir?" asked Jinks, frowning in the direction of the
Bower of Nature.

"Nothing, my boy; but I say, Jinks, what makes you look so fierce? You
resemble an ogre--you're not going to eat Mr. Verty?"

"No, sir; but I'm going to call him to account. If he is not my rival,
he has stood in my way."

"How!"

"The perfidious Sallianna has fallen in love with him!"

And Jinks groaned.

Ralph took his arm with a sympathizing expression, and restraining a
violent burst of laughter, said:

"Is it possible! But I knew something must have happened to make you
so angry."

"Say furious!"

"Are you furious?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Come, now, I'll bet a pistole to a penny that you are revengeful in
your present feelings.

"I am, sir!"

"What can you do?"

"I can defy my enemy."

"Oh, yes! I really forgot that; I must be present, recollect, at the
encounter."

"You may, sir! I shall spit him upon my sword!"

And Jinks, with a terrible gesture, transfixed imaginary enemies
against the atmosphere.

Ralph choked as he gazed at Mr. Jinks, and shaking with pent up
laughter:

"Can't you find something, Jinks, for me to do?" he said, "this affair
promises to be interesting."

"You may carry the challenge I propose writing, if you will, sir."

"If I will! as if I would not do ten times as much for my dear friend
Jinks."

"Thanks, sir."

"Promise me one thing, however."

"What is it, sir?"

"To be cool."

"I am cool--I'll throttle her!"

"Throttle!"

"