He had not specified, in writing to Gordon Wright, the day on which he should arrive at Baden-Baden; it must be confessed that he was not addicted to specifying days.

He came to his journey's end in the evening, and, on presenting himself at the hotel from which his friend had dated his letter, he learned that Gordon Wright had betaken himself after dinner, according to the custom of Baden-Baden, to the grounds of the Conversation-house.

It was eight o'clock, and Longueville, after removing the stains of travel, sat down to dine.

His first impulse had been to send for Gordon to come and keep him company at his repast; but on second thought he determined to make it as brief as possible.

Having brought it to a close, he took his way to the Kursaal.