sweeter, for Harry was by no means a fool to be carried away by
the first pretty face that came in his way.

She simply overwhelmed him, and I repeat that I do not wonder at
it, for my own pulse was not exactly steady. She asked us to dine
with her.

I pleaded an engagement at the club and signed to Harry to do
likewise; but he was completely gone and paid no attention to me.

He accepted the invitation gratefully, with frank delight, and I
left them together.

It was about ten o'clock when he came home that evening. I was
seated in the library and, hearing him enter the hall, called to
him.

What a face was his! His lips trembled with nervous feeling, his
eyes glowed like the eyes of a madman. I half started from my
chair in amazement.

"I have no time," said he in answer to my invitation to join me
with a bottle. "I have a letter or two to write, and--and I must
get some sleep."

"Did you just leave Le Mire?"

"Yes."

I looked at my watch.