"That," observed Tony, "only aggravates the offence." 

 He pulled up at Basil Mansions, a big block of luxurious flats just opposite the Langham Hotel, and a magnificently gilded porter hastened forward to open the door of the car. 

 "I'll tell you about him to-morrow," said Molly. "Don't be later than half-past one. I'm always starving by then, and I shan't wait for you." 

 "I am always punctual for meals," said Tony. "It's the only virtue that's rewarded on the spot." 

 CHAPTER II THE MORALS OF MOLLY 

 It was exactly eleven o'clock when Tony woke up. He looked at his watch, yawned, stretched himself, ran his fingers through his hair, and then reaching out his hand pressed the electric bell beside his bed. After a short pause it was answered by a middle-aged, clean-shaven man, with a face like a tired sphinx, who entered the room carrying a cup of tea upon a tray. Tony sat up and blinked at him. 

 "Good-morning, Spalding," he observed. 

 "Good-morning, Sir Antony," returned the man; "I trust that you slept well, sir?" 

 "Very well, thank you," replied Tony.  "What time did I get home?" 

 "I fancy it was a little after four, sir." 

 Tony took a long drink out of the tea-cup, and then put it down again.  "I am curiously thirsty this morning, Spalding," he said.  "Was I quite sober when I came back?" 

 The man hesitated.  "I should describe you as being so, sir," he replied. 

 "Thank you, Spalding," said Tony gratefully. 

 Crossing the room the valet drew up the blinds, and admitted a cheerful stream of sunshine. 

 "Mr. Oliver left a message, sir, to say that he would not be back until the afternoon. He has gone out on business and is lunching with Mr. Henry Conway." 

 "Where's Bugg?" inquired Tony. 

 "At the present moment, sir, I believe he is in the gymnasium. He informed me that he was about to loosen his muscles with a little shadow boxing." 

 "Is he all right?" 

 Prev. P 11/265 next