An hour had passed before they went down to join the guests who were arriving for the evening meal. As a rule, the Western business man, who is more or less engrossed in his occupation, except when he is asleep, enjoys little privacy; and his friends sometimes compared Nairn's dwelling to the rotunda of an hotel. The point of this was that people of all descriptions who have nothing better to do are addicted to strolling into the combined bazaar and lounge which is attached to many Canadian hostelries. As it happened, Vane sat next to Evelyn at table; but after a quiet reply to his first observation, she turned and talked to the man on her other side. Since the latter, who was elderly and dull, had only two topics--the most efficient means of desiccating fruit and the lack of railroad facilities--Vane was somewhat astonished that she appeared interested in his conversation, and by and by he tried again. He was not more successful this time, and his face grew warm as he realised that Evelyn was not inclined to talk to him. Being a very ordinary mortal and not particularly patient, he was sensible of some indignation, which was not diminished when, on looking round, Jessie Horsfield, who sat opposite, favoured him with a compassionate smile. He took his part in the general conversation, however, and the meal was over and the guests were scattered about the adjoining rooms, when, after impatiently waiting for the opportunity, he found Evelyn alone. She was standing with one hand on a table, looking rather thoughtful. "I've come to ask what I've done," he began. Evelyn, who was not prepared for this blunt directness, felt disconcerted, but she broke into a chilly smile. "The question's rather indefinite, isn't it?" she said. "Do you expect me to be acquainted with all your recent actions?" "Then I'll put the thing in another way--do you mind telling me how I have offended you?" The girl almost wished that she could do so. Appearances were badly against him, but she felt that if he declared himself innocent she could take his word in the face of overwhelming testimony to the contrary, Unfortunately, however, it was unthinkable that she should plainly state the charge. "Do you suppose I should feel warranted in forming any opinion upon your conduct?" she retorted. "But you have formed one, and it isn't favourable." The girl hesitated a moment, but she had the courage of her convictions, and she felt impelled to make some protest. "That," she said, looking him in the eyes, "is perfectly true." He looked more puzzled than guilty, and once more she chafed against the fact that she could give him no opportunity of defending himself. "Well," he said, "I'm sorry; but it brings us back to my first question." The situation was becoming painful as well as embarrassing, and Evelyn, perhaps unreasonably, grew more angry with the man. "I'm afraid," she said "you are either clever at dissembling or have no imagination."