"Come on, then," cried John, willing enough. "There's the servants' stairs. I'll give you a handicap of twenty in a hundred points." "I'll beat you at those odds." "That remains to be seen." And the two hurried up the stairs just as the hall-door closed. The billiard-room was situated at the head of the front stairs. Warrington won the bank, and he ran a score of ten. While he was chalking his cue he heard voices. "It is very sad." It was Mrs. Franklyn-Haldene talking. "We shall miss her in church work. It is a severe blow to Mr. Warrington." "That was a good draw, John. Three cushions this time. Good. You're playing strong to-night." "Did you think to bring over your pajamas?" John asked irrelevantly. Warrington smiled in spite of himself. "I forgot all about them," he admitted. "Thought you would, so I brought over two sets. We're about the same size. Pshaw! that was an easy one, too." Warrington missed his shot; He heard voices again. "And I want you to help me." It was Mrs. Franklyn-Haldene again. "We shall reorganize the Woman's Auxiliary Republican Club, and we shall need you. It is principally for that that I came over." "I take very little interest in anything outside my home," replied Mrs. Bennington. "Did you get that?" whispered John, as he drew back for a carom. "But this is very important for the city's welfare," pursued Mrs. Franklyn-Haldene. "I doubt it. So long as we do not vote--" "That's just it. We can't vote, but we can get together and control the male vote in the family. That's something." John grinned at Warrington, who replied with a shrug. "And they all call me the meddler!" he said. "What's the matter with your staying on here a few days, Dick?" "I should be nothing but a bother to you." "Rot! You can't stay alone over there." "I'll have to; I can't leave those poor old souls alone. They are broken-hearted. I sent her two hundred every month regularly, just for pin-money; and what do you think she did with it? Hoarded it up and willed something like two thousand to Mary and her husband. I'm all in, Dick. But go on; I'll finish the game." "All right. But whenever you feel lonesome, come here or over to my house. There'll always be a spare room for you in either house." "It's mighty kind of you, John. My shot?" Warrington ran four and missed. Voices again. "I never believe what I hear, and only half of what I see." That was Mrs. Jack speaking. Murmurs. The billiard-balls clicked sharply as John played for position. "The stage doesn't appeal to you any more, then?" Mrs. Franklyn-Haldene. "Not in the least. It never did appeal to me. I am so far away from it now that I am losing the desire to witness plays." "And for whom will Mr. Warrington write his plays now?" "The vacancy I made has long ago been filled. I was but one in a thousand to interpret his characters. There is always a lack of plays, but never of actors." "Excuse me for a moment." It was Patty this time. "Certainly, my dear."