He took my hat and stick and showed me upstairs into a charming drawing-room, in which I at once recognised many beautiful things from Vernon’s house in Rome. Here Vernon met me with an outstretched hand. “By Jove, what a transformation!” I exclaimed. “To be sure, you haven’t seen it since⸺” “Since the frogs and the beetles and the Japanese umbrellas were turned out. No. And so now you’ve got Deeming’s house too?” “Yes. I have joined the two together, but I use his chiefly for my work in connection with our dumb friends.” “Oh!” His voice was significant in that last sentence, and I realised that in him imagination was often the guide, leading him strangely, dominating him powerfully. Tea was ready, and we sat down. Giving expression to my thought, I said, “Strange that you should be living in Deeming’s house.” “Why so?” “Oh, well, you were antagonists, weren’t you?” “Could the difference between us be called antagonism?” he asked, pouring out the tea. “Wasn’t it? Once Deeming told me that he knew⸺” I hesitated. “Knew what?” “Knew that you hated him.” “Really. Did he say that?” “Was it true?” “Why discuss it?” “You’re right. It’s all over now. And he, poor chap, has gone beyond the reach of earthly love or hate.” He made no rejoinder, and I had an odd feeling as if he were silent because I had said something with which he did not agree; yet that was not possible. “Do you think,” I said, to change the subject, “do you think that fellow will come?” “The dog-fancier? Oh, I suppose so. He won’t let slip a chance of making twelve pounds. His dog isn’t worth more than six.” “Then why do you give double?” “A caprice.” “I begin to think you are a capricious man,” I said. “The dilettante generally is.” He drew out his watch. “It’s close upon six. That chap ought to be here in a moment. Ah, there’s the bell! He’s come, no doubt.” I was conscious of a certain discomfort, but scarcely knew its cause. Putting down my cup, I sat listening intently. Vernon, too, was listening. There was in his face an expression of strained attention. When the door opened gently, I started and looked hastily round. “Lord Elyn!” said Vernon, getting up from his chair. “Yes. Glad to find you at home. Hulloa, Luttrell! So you’re back at last! I haven’t seen you since the death of our poor friend Deeming.” He shook my hand. “That was a sad business. No one to take his place. No one like him, is there?”