It was a cruel blow to the colonel's popularity. The crowd began to snicker, and the snicker grew to a loud and general laugh. Colonel Brack's prestige as a "bad man" melted, and was gone at the Pinewood Inn bar forever. Ryder, perhaps somewhat relieved of his ill temper, it having found a vent in this incident, walked directly to the dining-room. He glanced about for White but did not see him. Was the man still with Mrs. Ryder? The moment had perhaps arrived for the mystery to be explained. The thought made him secretly tremble. It is facing the unknown that makes cowards of us all. But John Ryder's countenance did not betray his inward feelings. He walked into the dining-room in his usual, dignified manner. Everything was rose-tinted from the shaded lamps on each table. He almost instantly saw his wife sitting at a cozy table, and with her was Mrs. Judson. White was not in sight. There were perhaps two dozen little parties sprinkled about; but with none of them was the individual who had earned so much of John Ryder's attention. Ryder, appearing much calmer than he really was, approached his wife and her companion. Ruth seemed undisturbed save that her face was a trifle paler than it had been. But it lit up with pleasure and her eyes shone when she saw Ryder coming. And this look staggered the man. There was nothing furtive--nothing secretive--in Ruth's manner. It was disgraceful to think of her having some secret from him when her beautiful face beamed such love and happiness at his approach. "I'm a fool--a cad--a scoundrel!" he told himself savagely. "I ought to tell her what is troubling me right now and have the matter explained. Confound this old busybody, anyway!" But he managed to hide his dislike for the widow as he sat down. "Really, your wife looked so lonely, that I had to come over and talk with her," cried the vivacious Mrs. Judson, shaking her lorgnette at Ryder. "You shameful men--going off by yourselves--herding together socially--and in that vulgar café, I'll be bound! I declare! the ordinary man wouldn't give up his nightcap even on his wedding night. Fie! For shame!" Ruth blushed faintly, and looked at Ryder apologetically. The latter checked his real feelings and displayed an emotionless face. The widow rambled on: "I got into the habit of taking a late bite with poor dear Horace. He always liked it. And to-night when we were all so upset I knew I couldn't sleep without it. I really get so lonely--living alone and eating alone----" What could Ryder do? He looked at Ruth. She made a little _moue_ with her pretty lips and shrugged her shoulders slightly. "We shall be glad to have you take supper with us, Mrs. Judson," Ryder said, telling the lie with an expressionless face. "Now, isn't that too, too sweet of you?" gushed the widow. "And when I know you must be just longing to be tête-à-tête--both of you. Now, don't deny it!"