His mind was scaling the highest pinnacles of its alps, where there was only starlight and the untrodden snow.

He cast strange eyes upon Rodney, as they encountered each other beneath a lamp-post.
"Ha!" Rodney exclaimed.
If he had been in full possession of his mind, Denham would probably have passed on with a salutation.

But the shock of the interruption made him stand still, and before he knew what he was doing, he had turned and was walking with Rodney in obedience to Rodney's invitation to come to his rooms and have something to drink.

Denham had no wish to drink with Rodney, but he followed him passively enough.

Rodney was gratified by this obedience.