Then Jarvis's eye fell on Bambi's letter on his table, unopened. It must have come the day before, when he was lost in his play. He glanced through it. At the mention of Strong's visit he frowned. He read that part twice. There was no doubt of it. Strong had the only chance with her. He made no secret of his devotion to her, and the probabilities were that now that he, Jarvis, was out of the way, she would realize how much she cared for Strong. "Well, what is, is," he muttered. He'd have no favours from Strong, though, that was sure. Twenty minutes later, shaved and dressed, he descended upon his guest, who sat in torment, on a hall-tree shelf, in Stygian darkness. "How do you do?" said Jarvis, stiffly. "Sorry to keep you waiting in this hole of Calcutta." "How are you, Jocelyn?" said Strong, cordially. "Your wife gave me your address, and I thought you might save me from a deadly evening by dining with me at Claremont." "Thank you, I have dined," replied Jarvis. "So early? Well, come with me while I get a bite somewhere, and we will go to a show, or hear some music." "Much obliged. I am engaged for the evening." "Oh, that's a pity. Your wife told me you were a friendless stranger in a foreign land, so I lost no time in coming to look you up." "Very kind of you." "I had a charming weekend in the country. We missed you very much." "Indeed?" "You're a lucky chap, Jocelyn. Your wife is one of the most enchanting women I ever met. She is unique." "I am glad she pleases you." "My dear fellow, I hope I haven't annoyed you. I meant no disrespect in complimenting you on Mrs. Jocelyn's charm." "You made your admiration a trifle conspicuous the last time I saw you," said Jarvis in a rage. "I apologize, I assure you. I bid you good night." "Unmannerly boor," was Strong's comment as he turned toward the avenue. "Hope that settles Mr. Richard Strong," fumed Jarvis as he turned away from the avenue. Two letters were written Bambi that night concerning this meeting. Mr. Strong wrote: "DEAR LADY: I cannot possibly tell you how much of the fragrance of the garden, and of you, stays with me even in the heat and ugliness of New York. I am so grateful to you and the Professor for your hospitality and your friendship. "I went to see your Jarvis to-night, as I promised to do, but he made it exceedingly plain to me that he desired neither my visit nor my acquaintance. I thought he looked very tired and a trifle hectic. No doubt the heat has worn on him. I don't mean to alarm you. I am only searching for some excuse for my own comfort for his reception of me. "I shall look for the next chapters with eagerness. None of your many readers knows my proprietary delight in that tale of yours. "My cordial regards to your father, and to yourself my thanks and my best wishes. Faithfully, "RICHARD STRONG." Jarvis was not so politic. He permitted himself some rancor.