Comethup made his way down to the stalls, and came face to face with Brian, who was coming out. Brian looked confused for a moment, and then extended his hand. "My dear old boy, this is delightful. Twice in one day; there's a fate in it. I dare say you're surprised to see me here; but, as a matter of fact, it's a piece of speculation. There's a woman"--he jerked his head to indicate the lady whose side he had quitted--"who's very good fun, and very useful. She's taken rather a fancy to this budding versifier, and I think it's probable that she may be able to do something for me. At all events, she's a useful person to know. So you see, as it's no use hoping to do anything in this world without taking risks, your money enabled me to secure a couple of stalls to-night; to bring her down here in style--in a word, to make a good impression. My dear boy, it'll pay; depend upon it, it'll pay well. I told you this morning that I was learning the trick of the whole business; it's as easy as winking when you know it, and I think it'll carry me through anything. You may sit and write and starve in your garret forever, and do not a ha'porth of good; you've got to come out of your garret and cut a good figure if people are to believe you. I'm beginning to like the game; I am, indeed. Come and have a cigarette." Comethup hastily declined, murmured something about how glad he was to see Brian again, and went back to his aunt's box. He hoped, and indeed believed, that it was all right; but a little curious feeling of doubt in regard to Brian came into his mind, and would not be dispelled. He watched his cousin and the lady who was with him during the evening; noticed that Brian sat very close to her and whispered; observed that she talked in loud tones and laughed somewhat immoderately, and made considerable play with a huge feather fan. He had, too, to begin a new calculation in regard to the money with which he had supplied Brian; found it necessary to deduct from it the price of two stalls and an approximate amount for cabs, and then to redivide the sum remaining by fifty-two; Brian's income for a year looked meagre indeed. Miss Charlotte Carlaw made inquiries concerning his friend, but Comethup put her off with an evasive reply.