Lola began politely: "Of course, if Mr.de Gex----" "It would be delightful," said I, "but I'm starting at once--to-morrow or the day after.

We will have the dinner when I come back and you are a full-blown Member of Parliament." I made my escape and fled to my own cheerful library.

It is oak-panelled and furnished with old oak, and the mezzo-tints on the walls are mellow.
Of the latter, I have a good collection, among them a Prince Rupert of which I am proud.

I threw myself, a tired man, into an armchair by the fire, and rang the bell for a brandy and soda.

Oh, the comfort of the rooms, the comfort of Rogers, the comfort of the familiar backs of the books in the shelves! I felt loth to leave it all and go vagabonding about the cold world on my lunatic adventure.