This was an act of great unreason; for the debtor who stays away is but the more remarked, and the boarder who misses a meal is sure to be accused of infidelity.

On the fourth day, therefore, I returned, inwardly quaking.

The proprietor looked askance upon my entrance; the waitresses (who were his daughters) neglected my wants and sniffed at the affected joviality of my salutations; last and most plain, when I called for a suisse (such as was being served to all the other diners) I was bluntly told there were no more.

It was obvious I was near the end of my tether; one plank divided me from want, and now I felt it tremble.

I passed a sleepless night, and the first thing in the morning took my way to Myner's studio.