Steps were audible in the hall, and every one turned to watch the door, where the distinguished pair now made their appearance in a hush of expectation over which the beating of the fans alone prevailed.

The Hon.

Kedge Halloway was one of the gleaners of the flesh-pots, himself, and he marched into the room unostentatiously mopping his shining expanse of brow with a figured handkerchief.

He was a person of solemn appearance; a fat gold watch-chain which curved across his ponderous front, adding mysteriously to his gravity.

At his side strolled a very tall, thin, rather stooping--though broad-shouldered--rather shabby young man with a sallow, melancholy face and deep-set eyes that looked tired.