He was a man singularly free from illusions.
They stayed talking a little while.
"I will see if your chauffeur is asleep," said John, and went out of the room.
There was a little silence after he had gone.
"I don't think you are very glad to see me," said Kara.

His frankness was a little embarrassing to the girl and she flushed slightly.
"I am always glad to see you, Mr.Kara, or any other of my husband's friends," she said steadily.
He inclined his head.
"To be a friend of your husband is something," he said, and then as if remembering something, "I wanted to take a book away with me--I wonder if your husband would mind my getting it ?" "I will find it for you." "Don't let me bother you," he protested, "I know my way." Without waiting for her permission he left the girl with the unpleasant feeling that he was taking rather much for granted.

He was gone less than a minute and returned with a book under his arm.
"I have not asked Lexman's permission to take it," he said, "but I am rather interested in the author.

Oh, here you are," he turned to John who came in at that moment.

"Might I take this book on Mexico ?" he asked.