After this things progressed a good deal better.

The first plunge was over, and the cool refreshing waters of Mary's conversation seemed to give back to Morris's system some of the tone that it had lost.

Also, when he thought fit to use it, he had a strong will, and he thought fit this night.

Lastly, like many a man in a quandary before him, he discovered the strange advantages of a scientific but liberal absorption of champagne.

Mary noticed this as she noticed everything, and said presently with her eyes wide open: "Might I ask, my dear, if you are--ill?
You are eating next to nothing, and that's your fourth large glass of champagne--you who never drank more than two.