There was an unfamiliar spark in his eye and a certain imperious alertness in his carriage.

Confirmed habit, with Rowland, came speedily to the front.
"What is it now ?" he asked himself, and invited Roderick to sit down.
Roderick had evidently something particular to say, and if he remained silent for a time it was not because he was ashamed of it.
"I would like you to do me a favor," he said at last.

"Lend me some money." "How much do you wish ?" Rowland asked.
"Say a thousand francs." Rowland hesitated a moment.

"I don't wish to be indiscreet, but may I ask what you propose to do with a thousand francs ?" "To go to Interlaken." "And why are you going to Interlaken ?" Roderick replied without a shadow of wavering, "Because that woman is to be there." Rowland burst out laughing, but Roderick remained serenely grave.

"You have forgiven her, then ?" said Rowland.
"Not a bit of it!" "I don't understand." "Neither do I.I only know that she is incomparably beautiful, and that she has waked me up amazingly.