Hilary did not let him get the words out; "Oh, yes, show him up! Here it is." He ran half down the stairs himself to meet Maxwell. XVI. Louise stole a glance at herself across the room in the little triptych mirror against one of the shelves. Her hair was not tumbled, and she completed her toilet to the eye by dropping her shoes and extending the edge of her skirt over them where she stood. Her father brought Maxwell in by the door, and she smiled a fresh greeting to him. "We--I had just picked your note-book up. I--I'm glad you came back, I--was a little short with you a moment ago. I--I--Mayn't I offer you a cigar?" "No, thanks. I don't smoke," said Maxwell. "Then a glass of--It's pretty cold out!" "Thank you; I never drink." "Well, that's good! That's--sit down; sit down!--that's a very good thing. I assure you, I don't think it's the least use, though I do both. My boy doesn't, he's a pattern to his father." In spite of Hilary's invitation Maxwell remained on foot, with the effect of merely hearing him out as he went on. "I--I'm sorry I haven't anything to tell about that accident. I've been telegraphing all day, without finding out anything beyond the fact as first reported; and now my son's gone up to Wellwater, to look it up on the ground. It may have been our Mr. Northwick, or it may not. May I ask how much you know?" "I don't know that I'm quite free to say," answered Maxwell. "Oh!" "And I didn't expect you to say anything unless you wished to make something known. It's a matter of business." "Exactly," said Hilary. "But I think I might been a little civiller in saying what I did. The rumor's been a great annoyance to me; and I like to share my annoyances with other people. I suppose your business often brings you in contact with men of that friendly disposition? Heigh?" Hilary rolled the cigar he was about to light between his lips. "We see the average man," said Maxwell, not at all flattered from his poise by Hilary's apologies. "It's a bore to be interviewed; I know that from the bore it is to interview." "I dare say that's often the worst part of it," said Hilary, lighting his cigar, and puffing out the first great clouds. "Well, then, I may congratulate myself on sparing you an unpleasant duty. I didn't know I should come off so handsomely." There seemed nothing more to say, and Maxwell did not attempt to make conversation. Hilary offered him his hand, and he said, as if to relieve the parting of abruptness, "If you care to look in on me again, later on, perhaps--" "Thank you," said Maxwell, and he turned to go. Then he turned back, and after a moment's hesitation, bowed to Louise, and said very stiffly, "Good-evening!" and went out. Louise fetched a deep breath. "Why didn't you keep him longer, papa, and find out all about him?" "I think we know all that's necessary," said her father, dryly. "At least he isn't on my conscience any longer; and now I hope you're satisfied."