In one of the lobbies he encountered Fraide surrounded by a group of friends. With his usual furtive haste he would have passed on; but, moving away from his party, the old man accosted him. He was always courteously particular in his treatment of Chilcote, as the husband of his ward and godchild. “Better, Chilcote?” he said, holding out his hand. At the sound of the low, rather formal tones, so characteristic of the old statesman, a hundred memories rose to Chilcote's mind, a hundred hours, distasteful in the living and unbearable in the recollection; and with them the new flash of hope, the new possibility of freedom. In a sudden rush of confidence he turned to his leader. “I believe I've found a remedy for my nerves,” he said. “I--I believe I'm going to be anew man.” He laughed with a touch of excitement, Fraide pressed his fingers kindly, “That is right,” he said. “That is right. I called at Grosvenor Square this morning, but Eve told me your illness of the other day was not serious. She was very busy this morning--she could only spare me a quarter of an hour. She is indefatigable over the social side of your prospects. Chilcote. You owe her a large debt. A popular wife means a great deal to a politician.” The steady eyes of his companion disturbed Chilcote. He drew away his hand. “Eve is unique,” he said, vaguely. Fraide smiled. “That is right,” he said again. “Admiration is too largely excluded from modern marriages.” And with a courteous excuse he rejoined his friends. It was dinner-time before Chilcote could desert the House, but the moment departure was possible he hurried to Grosvenor Square. As he entered the house, the hall was empty. He swore irritably under his breath and pressed the nearest bell. Since his momentary exaltation in Fraide's presence, his spirits had steadily fallen, until now they hung at the lowest ebb. As he waited in unconcealed impatience for an answer to his summons, he caught sight of his man Allsopp at the head of the stairs. “Come here!” he called, pleased to find some one upon whom to vent his irritation. “Has that wire come for me?” “No, sir. I inquired five minutes back.” “Inquire again.” “Yes, sir.” Allsopp disappeared. A second after his disappearance the bell of the hall door whizzed loudly. Chileote started. All sudden sounds, like all strong lights, affected him. He half moved to the door, then stopped himself with a short exclamation. At the same instant Allsopp reappeared. Chilcote turned on him excitedly. “What the devil's the meaning of this?” he said. “A battery of servants in the house and nobody to open the hall door!” Allsopp looked embarrassed. “Crapham is coming directly, sir. He only left the hall to ask Jeffries--” Chilcote turned. “Confound Crapham!” he exclaimed. “Go and open the door yourself.” Allsopp hesitated, his dignity struggling with his obedience. As he waited, the bell sounded again. “Did you hear me?” Chilcote said.