DRAMATIS PERSONAE"How goes it, Frank? Down first, as usual.""The early bird gets the worm, Major.""Deuced ungallant speech, considering that the lovely Octavia is theworm," and with a significant laugh the major assumed an Englishman'sfavorite attitude before the fire.His companion shot a quick glance at him, and an expression of anxietypassed over his face as he replied, with a well-feigned air ofindifference, "You are altogether too sharp, Major. I must be on myguard while you are in the house. Any new arrivals? I thought I heard acarriage drive up not long ago.""It was General Snowdon and his charming wife. Maurice Treherne camewhile we were out, and I've not seen him yet, poor fellow!"