The little comedy had been played out.

There was nothing for him to do but to make a graceful exit, and this he did in a way that brought tears to the lady's eyes.

"Oh, need you go ?" she urged with fatuous politeness.

Austin was more friendly still; he reminded Mr Ogilvie that having returned so late he had had no opportunity of enjoying a renewal of their acquaintance, and begged him to remain a little longer for a chat and a cigarette.

But Mr Ogilvie was too much of an artist to permit an anti-climax.