keep
me on tenterhooks? Say you will marry me, and we'll leave everything
else."

"I can't say so this morning," she insisted. "I can say that I won't
if you like."

"For heaven's sake, don't do that!" Colonel Faversham quite humbly
entreated.

"Then please don't bother me for an answer," she said, and, with all
her lightness, he realized that she had a will of her own. His only
consolation was that, if her word could be accepted, she had not given
her heart to Mark or any one else. Whether she was to be believed or
not, however, his infatuation remained unaffected. He had reached a
condition in which he longed for possession upon any terms whatsoever,
but since it was obvious that she did not intend to pledge herself this
morning, there was no help for it! He must be as little discontented
as possible to leave the question open for the present.

"Well, then," he suggested, "if I manage to bottle up my feelings for a
week or so, will you try to think favourably of me in the meantime?"

"Why, yes, of course I will," she answered. "But it must be distinctly
understood. I am as free as the wind! I have not promised anything."

Beyond this she could not be prevailed upon to go, but before he left
Golfney Place, she gratified him by consenting to keep the
dressing-bag. She thanked him, indeed, very charmingly; so that,
notwithstanding his rebuff, Colonel Faversham left the house
disappointed, it is true, but even more her slave than ever.

CHAPTER IX

MARK RETURNS

It was one afternoon towards the end of April, and Carrissima
congratulated herself that she had made up her mind to spend it
indoors, although the trees in the parks were in fresh green leaf, and
London was looking its brightest and best. There had been, however, a
few showers at luncheon-time, and Colonel Faversham had set out through
one afterwards "to his club."

Carrissima, of course, knew very well that he was bound for Golfney
Place, and for her own part, she determined to stay at home until
tea-time, with the consequence that she saw Mark about half-past four.

He entered the room looking as handsome, as alert and energetic as
ever; a man, you felt certain, who would succeed in making his way in
the world, as indeed he fully intended to do.

"When did you get back?" asked Carrissima, remembering that her welcome
must not be too cordial.

"Late yesterday afternoon," he answered.

"Have you had a good time?"

"Oh, rippin