He called for another absinthe. Stroeve, with voluble tongue, explained how he and I had met, and by what an accident we discovered that we both knew Strickland. I do not know if Strickland listened. He glanced at me once or twice reflectively, but for the most part seemed occupied with his own thoughts; and certainly without Stroeve’s babble the conversation would have been difficult. In half an hour the Dutchman, looking at his watch, announced that he must go. He asked whether I would come too. I thought, alone, I might get something out of Strickland, and so answered that I would stay. When the fat man had left I said: “Dirk Stroeve thinks you’re a great artist.” “What the hell do you suppose I care?” “Will you let me see your pictures?” “Why should I?” “I might feel inclined to buy one.” “I might not feel inclined to sell one.” “Are you making a good living?” I asked, smiling. He chuckled. “Do I look it?” “You look half starved.” “I am half starved.” “Then come and let’s have a bit of dinner.” “Why do you ask me?” “Not out of charity,” I answered coolly. “I don’t really care a twopenny damn if you starve or not.” His eyes lit up again. “Come on, then,” he said, getting up. “I’d like a decent meal.” Chapter XXI I let him take me to a restaurant of his choice, but on the way I bought a paper. When we had ordered our dinner, I propped it against a bottle of St. Galmier and began to read. We ate in silence. I felt him looking at me now and again, but I took no notice. I meant to force him to conversation. “Is there anything in the paper?” he said, as we approached the end of our silent meal. I fancied there was in his tone a slight note of exasperation. “I always like to read the _feuilleton_ on the drama,” I said. I folded the paper and put it down beside me. “I’ve enjoyed my dinner,” he remarked. “I think we might have our coffee here, don’t you?” “Yes.” We lit our cigars. I smoked in silence. I noticed that now and then his eyes rested on me with a faint smile of amusement. I waited patiently. “What have you been up to since I saw you last?” he asked at length.