Till Sepia came, he had been conventionally faithful--faithful with the faith of a lackey, that is--but she had found no difficulty in making of him, in respect of her, a spy upon his master.
I will now relate what passed while Mary sat deaf in the corner.
Mr.Redmain asked his visitor what he would have, as if, although it was quite early, he must, as a matter of course, stand in need of refreshment.

He made choice of brandy and soda-water, and the bell was rung.

A good deal of conversation followed about a disputed point in a late game of cards at one of the clubs.
The talk then veered in another direction--that of personal adventure, so guided by Mr.Redmain.He told extravagant stories about himself and his doings, in particular various _ruses_ by which he had contrived to lay his hands on money.

And whatever he told, his guest capped, narrating trick upon trick to which on different occasions he had had recourse.

At all of them Mr.Redmain laughed heartily, and applauded their cleverness extravagantly, though some of them were downright swindling.
At last Mr.Redmain told how he had once got money out of a lady.