CHAPTER XLVII.
HOW MARY HAWKER SAID "YES." It was one evening during the next spring, and the game of whist was over for the night.

The servant had just brought in tumblers with a view to whiskey and water before bed.

I was preparing to pay fourteen shillings to Mrs.Buckley, and was rather nervous about meeting my partner, the Major's eye, when he, tapping the table with his hand, spoke:-- "The most childish play, Hamlyn; the most childish play." "I don't defend the last game," I said.

"I thought you were short of diamonds--at least I calculated on the chance of your being so, having seven myself.

But please to remember, Major, that you yourself lost two tricks in hearts, in the first game of the second rubber." "And why, sir ?" said the Major.