"Mind if I smoke ?" "No." He drew out a silver cigarette case and opened it.

"Empty!" he exclaimed.

"Excuse me while I get something from the house to smoke.
I'll be right back." Without waiting for her permission he stepped out of the arbor and she heard his footsteps crunching up the gravel path.

Maggie waited his return in pulsing suspense.

Her situation had been developing beyond anything she had ever dreamed of; she was aquiver as to what might happen next.