mind me; I'm all right."

"But I'm going to mind you, for you are not all right. Is it money?"

"No, no."

"What, then? There is something seriously worrying you."

"Oh, there are several things," Lionel exclaimed, forced at last into
confession. "I can't think what has become of Nina Ross, that's one
thing; if I only knew she was safe and well, I don't think I should mind
the other things. No, not a bit. But there was something about her going
away that I can't explain to you, only I--I was responsible in a sort of
way; and Nina and I were always such good friends and companions. Well,
it's no use talking about that. Then there's another little detail," he
added, with an air of indifference: "I'm engaged to be married."

Mangan stared at him.

"Engaged to be married?" he repeated, as if he had not heard aright. "To
whom?"

"Miss Burgoyne."

"Miss Burgoyne--of the New Theatre?"

"The same."

"Are you out of your senses, Linn!" Maurice cried, angrily.

"No, I don't think so," he said, and he went to the mantelpiece for a
cigarette.

"How did it come about?" demanded Maurice, again.

"Oh, I don't know. It isn't of much consequence, is it?" Lionel
answered, carelessly.

Then Maurice instantly reflected that, if this thing were really done,
it was not for him to protest.

"Of course I say nothing against the young lady--certainly not. I
thought she was very pleasant the night I was introduced to her, and
nice-looking too. But I had no idea you were taken in that quarter,
Linn; none--hence the surprise. I used to think you were in the happy
position which Landor declared impossible. What were the lines? I
haven't seen them for twenty years, but they were something like this:

'Fair maiden, when I look on thee,
I wish that I were young and free;
But both at once, ah, who could be?'

I thought you were 'both at once'--and very well content. But supposing
you have given up your freedom, why should that vex and trouble you? The
engagement time is said to be the happiest period of a man's life; what
is wrong in your case?"

Lionel took a turn or two up and down the room.

"Well, I will tell you the truth, Maurice," he blurted out, at last. "I
got engaged to her in a fit of restlessness or caprice, or some such
ridiculous nonsense, and I don't regret it; I mean, I am willing to
stand by it; but that is not enough for her, and I can look forward to
nothing but a perpetual series of differences a