Pass me the toast before you go." Da Souza entered presently, apologetic and abject, prepared at the same time to extenuate and deny.

Trent continued his breakfast coolly.
"My dear friend!" Da Souza exclaimed, depositing his silk hat upon the table, "it is a very excellent joke of yours.

You see, we have entered into the spirit of it--oh yes, we have done so indeed! We have taken a little drive before breakfast, but we have returned.

You knew, of course, that we would not dream of leaving you in such a manner.

Do you not think, my dear friend, that the joke was carried now far enough?
The ladies are hungry; will you send word to the lodge-keeper that he may open the gate ?" Trent helped himself to coffee, and leaned back in his chair, stirring it thoughtfully.
"You are right, Da Souza," he said.