But really I do not know all the story.

Jeekie can tell you about it if you want to know, for he is one of that people and escaped with my uncle." Now Jeekie having left the room, some of the guests wished to send for him, but Mr.Champers-Haswell objected.

The end of it was that a compromise was effected, Alan undertaking to produce his retainer afterwards when they went to play billiards or cards.
Dinner was over at length and the diners, who had dined well, were gathered in the billiard room to smoke and amuse themselves as they wished.

It was a very large room, sixty feet long indeed, with a wide space in the centre between the two tables, which was furnished as a lounge.

When the gentlemen entered it they found Barbara standing by the great fireplace in this central space, a little shape of white and silver in its emptiness.
"Forgive me for intruding on you," she said, "and please do not stop smoking, for I like the smell.