But he always turns up again, worse than ever." "Violent ?" "No." "Maudlin ?" "No." "Only unpleasant ?" "No.

Rather pleasant.

Awfully clever--awfully travelled and easy." "Then what's the matter with him ?" Mamie mused, hesitated--seemed to see a wide past.

"I don't know." "Something in the background ?" Then as her friend was silent, "Something queer about cards ?" Mrs.Medwin threw off.
"I don't know--and I don't want to!" "Ah well, I'm sure _I_ don't," Mrs.Medwin returned with spirit.

The note of sharpness was perhaps also a little in the observation she made as she gathered herself to go.