Hawksley smiled, revealing beautifully white teeth. "I say, it is
a bit off, isn't it! I received it" - a twinkle coming into his
eyes - "in a situation that had moribund perspectives."

"Moribund perspectives," repeated Kitty, casting the phrase about
in her mind in search of an equivalent less academic.

"I am young and healthy, and I wanted to live," he said, gravely.
"I am curious to know what is going to happen to-morrow and other
to-morrows."

Somewhere near by a door was slammed violently. Kitty, every muscle
in her body tense, jumped convulsively, with the result that her
finger pressed automatically the trigger of her pistol. The fan
popped out gayly.

Hawksley stared at the fan, quite as astonished as Kitty. Then he
broke into low, rollicking laughter, which Kitty, because her basic
corpuscle was Irish, perforce had to join. For all her laughter she
retreated, furious and alarmed.

"Fancy! I say, now, you're jolly plucky to face a scoundrel like
me with that."

"I don't just know what to make of you," said Kitty, irresolutely,
flinging the fan into a corner.

"You have revivified a celestial spark - my faith in human beings.
I beg of you not to be afraid of me. I am quite harmless. I am