somehow. Yes! I know what you're going to say. My allowance is a good one, and I ought to make it do. But, you see, sometimes I can't." "I hope you won't mind my asking, Arthur, but is that an acceptance of your own?" [pg 83] [pg 83] Arthur nodded. "There are a few accounts which I must pay," he said. "So I'm going to ask Plimsoll to do it for me. He's a decent fellow of his sort, you know! Lots of fellows go to him!" Paul stretched out his hand. "Give it to me," he said, "and I will discount it for you. Thanks!" Paul took it, and, just glancing at the amount, threw it into the fire. "I haven't my cheque book here," he said, "but we will call at the bank on our way to the club, and I can get the money. I'm glad I saw it!" "It's awfully good of you," Arthur said hesitatingly. "I shouldn't have thought of asking you. I must owe you an awful lot already." "Never mind what you owe me! I'll write it all off, Arthur, and this last amount too, if you'll do me a favour. Come down home with me next week, as soon as you can get leave." Arthur rose to his feet, and then, leaning against the mantel-board, buried his face in his hands. "I can't leave London, Paul!—or, if I did, it could only be for a day," he said in a low tone. "I wish I could tell you why, but I can't; you wouldn't understand!" "I think I know," Paul said quietly. "There is some one whom you do not care to leave! Is that not it?" [pg 84] [pg 84] Arthur looked up quickly. His face was very white, and his lip was quivering. "Who told you that? What do you know?" "I know nothing! I want you to tell me. Perhaps I could help you. There is a—lady in the case, isn't there?" Arthur stood up on the hearthrug, and spoke, with a subdued passion trembling in his tone. "Yes! it's Adrea Kiros, the dancer! I daresay you've heard all about it! I don't see why you shouldn't! I can't leave her! I know all that you would say! It doesn't make any difference. She
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