So little, however, was I, now on the eve of a great happiness, like a drowning man, that nothing whatever passed before me.

I lost sight even of my friends, and though Jimmy was on his knees at my feet, his hand clasping mine, he disappeared as if his open mouth had swallowed the rest of his face.

I had only one thought--that I was smoking my last pipe.

Unconsciously I crossed my legs, and one of my slippers fell off; Jimmy, I think, slipped it on to my foot.

Marriot stood over me, gazing into the bowl of my pipe, but I did not see him.
Now I was puffing tremendously, but no smoke came.