To my astonishment, he put his arm cordially into mine, and led me out of the dining-room with the genial familiarity of an old friend! "I'll give you such a cigar," he said, "as you can't buy for money in all London.

You have enjoyed yourself, I hope?
Now we know what wine you like, you won't have to ask the butler for it next time.

Drop in any day, and take pot-luck with us." He came to a standstill in the hall; his brassy rasping voice assumed a new tone--a sort of parody of respect.

"Have you been to your family place," he asked, "since your return to England ?" He had evidently heard the few words exchanged between his friend and myself.

It seemed odd that he should take any interest in a place belonging to people who were strangers to him.