 point of fact, to be brief, Miss Dale and I ... I never consult
other men how they would have acted. The fact of the matter is, Miss Middleton
... I fancy you have partly guessed it.«
    »Partly,« said De Craye.
    »Well, she has a liking that way, and if it should turn out strong enough,
it's the best arrangement I can think of.«
    The lively play of the colonel's features fixed in a blank inquiry.
    »One can back a good friend for making a good husband,« said Willoughby. »I
could not break with her in the present stage of affairs without seeing to that.
And I can speak of her highly, though she and I have seen in time that we do not
suit one another. My wife must have brains.«
    »I have always thought it,« said Colonel De Craye, glistening and looking
hungry as a wolf through his wonderment.
    »There will not be a word against her, you understand. You know my dislike
of tattle and gossip. However, let it fall on me; my shoulders are broad. I have
done my utmost to persuade her, and there seems a likelihood of her consenting.
She tells me her wish is to please me, and this will please me.«
    »Certainly. Who's the gentleman?«
    »My best friend, I tell you. I could hardly have proposed another. Allow
this business to go on smoothly just now.«
    There was an uproar within the colonel to blind his wits, and Willoughby
looked so friendly that it was possible to suppose the man of projects had
mentioned his best friend to Miss Middleton.
    And who was the best friend?
    Not having accused himself of treachery, the quick-eyed colonel was duped.
    »Have you his name handy, Willoughby?«
    »That would be unfair to him at present, Horace - ask yourself - and to her.
Things are in a ticklish posture at present. Don't be hasty.«
    »Certainly. I don't ask. Initials 'll do.«
    »You have a remarkable aptitude for guessing, Horace, and this case offers
you no tough problem - if ever you acknowledge toughness. I have a regard for
her and for him - for both pretty equally; you know I have, and I should be
thoroughly thankful to bring the matter about.«
    »Lordly!« said De Craye.
    »I don't see it. I call it sensible.«
    »Oh!
