But when at the end of the week it came back for further information his ardour cooled somewhat, and when, three days later, it turned up once more with a request for his urgent and private reasons, John in a fit of exasperation retorted that if the matter was kept much longer it wouldn’t be urgent, and if they enquired much further it wouldn’t be private.  That finished him, and he got no leave.

My application was still on the tapis.  Eventually it returned.  “This officer can be granted leave only on condition that he promises to serve with the Rhine Army.”

“Go on,” said John; “promise.”

So I promised.

Now, looking over the situation, we find that it amounts to this:  John has no job and never will have till he can get leave to look for one.  He can’t get leave.  That’s John.

I have a job (I haven’t really) if I can get leave to attend an interview.  I’ve got leave, but only on the understanding that when I’ve got the job I refuse it because I’ve promised to serve on the Rhine.  That’s me.

We are now thinking out the next move.

* * * * *

THE MATERNAL INSTINCT.

  Mr. Crabbe Hermitage to Mrs. Bonnamy.
  March 30th.

MY DEAR MRS. BONNAMY,—­I am glad to report that my journey was accomplished in safety and comparative comfort.  Indeed my housekeeper was surprised that I showed so few traces of fatigue.  This, I tell her, was due to the kind care and consideration experienced by me throughout my sojourn beneath your hospitable roof.

Please inform Miss Chance that the carriage was a through one.  This may relieve her of any possible anxiety as to her own journey with her mother.  I much appreciated her consideration in seeing me into the train, and trust that the weather will prove favourable for their return to town.

Although the week I passed in your society will always be an agreeable memory it carries with it the penalty of an increased sense of my solitary life, and I feel that your remarks were not without justice.

  With kind regards,
    Believe me, Yours sincerely,
      THOS.  CHABBE HERMITAGE.

  Mr. Crabbe Hermitage to Mrs. Mayne Chance.
  April 3rd.

MY DEAR MRS. MAYNE CHANCE,—­Ever since my return from the visit which gave me so much happiness in your society and that of your dear daughter, I have wondered whether I dared address you upon a point which concerns me intimately.  Have you reason to suppose that her affections are engaged in any quarter?  Believe me that I seek this information from no idle curiosity, but solely that I may know whether there is any obstacle to my making a certain proposal.  I naturally shrink from intruding myself between a mother and daughter whose companionship is so close and am well aware of the disparity in our ages, but if you could encourage me to proceed you would confer the greatest happiness upon a very lonely man.