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Toward ht, Sylvia, absorbed in her du at the front door Later, having barelyto look at the major, when, beyond him, she saw Leroy Mortimer enter the rooroomed

"You are a trifle late," observed Sylvia carelessly Grace Ferrall and Marion ignored hi in a low voice

The people at the other table, having coreeable surprise

"I'll cut in, if you want me If you don't, say so," observed Mortimer

It was plain that they did not; so he settled hilance at his wife and an insolent one at Quarrier; and the ga heavily under the sneering gaze of Morti you?" he broke out, exasperated; and in the shocked silence Leila, very white, ers across her ar," he re coldly at Mortimer

Plank laid down his cards, rose, and walked over to Mortimer: "May I have a ith you?" he asked bluntly

"You may And I'll help myself to a word or tith you," retorted Morti Plank out of the roohted reception-roo one another

"What is the matter?" demanded Plank "At the club they told me you were asleep in the card-roo?"

"I'm--I'm dead broke," said Mortimer harshly "Billy Fleetwood took my paper Can you help ravely, but made no answer

"Can you?" repeated Mortih for you? Haven't I done enough for everybody? Is anybody going to show me any consideration? Look at Quarrier's manner to me just now! And this very day I did him a service that all hisat enteel, hinting around for an opening to touch you Yes, you do! And this very day I have done for you the--the --the most sacred favour oneincoherent, his battered eyes ith tears The e of collapse

"I'll help you, of course," said Plank, eyeing him "Go ho … Don't give way! Have you no grit? Pull up sharp, I tell you!"