The dinner had been perfect, the service superb; but then you had come to expect that at 20 Park Place. It was the Willoughbys’ fault; from the day they were married they had always spoiled their guests. Herrick looked across the violets at Eleanor Cloke. “Kitchen, cellar, table and service,” he said, “all one long last word. Nell, how do they do it?” Miss Cloke shrugged her white shoulders. “You can search me,” she said hopelessly. “But don’t dwell on it, or I shall burst into idle tears.” Madge Willoughby set down her cup. “Why?” she demanded. “Same as the Queen of Sheba,” said Herrick hastily. “You know. She thought she knew how to live; but when she saw Solomon’s idea of comfort——” “Tell her,” said Eleanor Cloke. “I am,” said Herrick. “Give me a chance. . . . Well, what really broke the Queen’s heart was the poisonous reflection that for the rest of her life the King of Sheba would be saying, ‘My dear, why can’t we have so-and-so? _Solomon has._’” His hostess leaned forward, with parted lips. “D’you mean that you’re . . .” David Herrick swallowed. “Don’t rush him,” said Crispin Willoughby. “The roof of his mouth’s dry.” He turned to his faltering guest. “Moisten the lips, old bean, and let it come with the breath.” “I mean,” said Herrick desperately, “that we’re—we’re thinkin’ of joinin’ up.” His hostess sighed contentedly. “At last,” she said. Crispin turned to Miss Cloke. “My dear,” he said, “be careful. Have you ever seen him unshaved?” “That,” said Eleanor, “is a pleasure to come.” “Pleasure?” said Crispin. “Oh, she has got it bad. Never mind. Was you took ill gradual like, or was it all of a sudding that you came over queer?” “To be perfectly frank,” said Eleanor, “I’ve always liked the look of him.” Willoughby put up an eye-glass and inspected his prey. “There is something rather winsome about that sheepish grin of his, isn’t there? D’you see what I mean, Madge? That David’s-my-name-but-call-me-Boris-look.” “What a shame,” said his wife. “David, if I were Nell, I should be very proud.” “I am,” said Eleanor. “When he seized me——” “Oh, you story!” said David. “I never——” “Shut your face,” said Crispin. “Go on, Nell. When he seized you . . .” “I never seized her,” cried Herrick. “I—I hadn’t time. Your butler——” “You see,” said Eleanor, “we arrived together to-night. I was just going to ring when he said that I looked like a fairy-tale. Well, that was all right, so, instead of ringing, I gave him a baby stare.” “Oh, the hussy!” raved Herrick. “The——” “Be quiet,” shrieked his host and hostess. “The next minute,” said Eleanor coolly, “it was all over. And, when I came to, the door was open and I was in his arms.” “Oh, she’s slurred it,” said Crispin. “She’s slurred it. What was all over?” Eleanor smiled bewitchingly. “You must ask your butler,” she said. Crispin lifted his glass and looked at his wife.