doing, what must be done. Not at all a dreamer.... not morbid.. and so on.»
«Well,» said I, both touched and amused by this näiveté, «and what has happened?»
«Oh, he was married last month, and ordered to China for time indefinite.... a long affair for the Government. He cannot possibly return for many years, quite likely never.»
«Two afflictions at once, indeed,» I said, laughing a little, he joining in ruefully. «And might I know under which one of them you, as his deserted Fidus Achates, are suffering most? I inter that you think your friend has added insult to injury.»
«What? I don't understand. Ah, you mean the marriage-part of it? Dear me, no! nothing of the sort! I am only too delighted that it has come about for him. His bride has gone out to Hong-Kong with him, and they expect to settle down into the most complete matrimonial bliss there. Besides, she is a woman that I have always admired simply unspeakably... oh, quite platonically. I beg to assure you!.. as have done just about half the men
