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"Useless, I fear, sir," he said gravely

"What do you , sir, sending our Miss B notes She is not in the proper frame of mind to appreciate them I saw her face when she handed me the letter you have just read, and I assure you, sir, she is not in a malleable mood"

"You seem to know a lot about it!"

"I have studied the sex, sir," said Webster modestly

"I mean, about my business, confound it! You seem to know all about it!"

"Why, yes, sir, I think I rasped the position of affairs And, if you will pernity is a sensitive plant which flourishes only under the fairest conditions Sam's had perished in the bleak east wind of Billie's note In other circuer into his most intimate concerns His only eratitude The four winds of heaven blew chilly upon his raw and unprotected soul, and he wanted to wrap it up in a mantle of sympathy, careless of the source from which he borrowed that mantle If Webster, the valet, felt disposed, as he seeo on At that moment Sam would have accepted condolences froay Novelettes; I do not know if you are familiar with the series, sir?--in which much the same situation occurred It was entitled 'Cupid or Mammon!' The heroine, Lady Blanche Trefusis, forced by her parents to wed a wealthy suitor, despatches a note to her hu him it cannot be I believe it often happens like that, sir"

"You're all wrong," said Sam "It's not that at all"

"Indeed, sir? I supposed it was"

"Nothing like it! I--I--"

Sanity, on its death-bed, made a last effort to assert itself

"I don't knohat it's got to do with you!"

"Precisely, sir!" said Webster, with dignity "Just as you say! Good afternoon, sir!"

He swayed gracefully, conveying a suggestion of departure without ave an expiring gurgle, and passed away, regretted by all

"Don't go!" he cried

The idea of being alone in this infernal lane, without human support, overpowered him Moreover, Webster had personality He exuded it Already Sa to him in spirit, and rely on his support