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 Captain Croome ruefully. "And if it doesn't come off soon, it won't come off at all. The old cat has caught the Otter for Grizel, and the marriage is nearly fixed up."

Sir Otto Leiter, an English baronet (by right of purchase) of the old Hamburg strain, was known to his acquaintances as the Otter on account of his remarkable sleekness.

"Yes; I was told that it was arranged," said the Honorable John Ruffin.

"Well, I'm going to stop it!" cried Captain Croome with some heat.

"I don't think you will. Lady Tullislaith is a tough old cat—you don't mind my calling the mother-in-law of your dreams a tough old cat?" said the Honorable John Ruffin.

"Not I—she always calls you the most dangerous detrimental in London," answered Captain Croome.

"I have pointed out to several poor young things the horrors of a loveless marriage," said the Honorable John Ruffin in a tone of satisfaction. "Well, Lady Tullislaith is a tough old cat, and the marquis is a hopeless stick. Your only chance is to persuade