us know?" said Mrs. Dawson. "Well, good-night, Mrs. Creve. _Good_-night,
Colonel! You'll say good-night to Moya? Do let us know if there is
anything we can do."

Dr. Fleming was in the hall looking for his cape. The colonel touched him
on the shoulder. "Don't be in a hurry, Doctor. Mrs. Dawson will excuse
you."

"I don't think you need me any more to-night. Moya is with Mrs. Bogardus.
She is not ill. The room was a little close."

"Never mind the _room_! Come in here. I want a word with you."

The doctor laughed oddly, and obeyed.

"Annie, you needn't leave us."

"Why, thank you, dear boy! It's awfully good of you," Annie mocked him.
"But I must go and relieve Moya."

"I don't believe you are wanted in there," said Doctor Fleming.

"It's more than obvious that I'm not in here."

"Oh, do sit down," said the teased colonel.

The fire sulked and smoked a trifle with its brands apart. Doctor Fleming
leaned forward upon his knees and regarded it thoughtfully. The colonel
sat fondling the tongs. In a deep chair Mrs. Creve lay back and shaded her
face with the end of her lace scarf. By her manner she might have been