He could remember a time when she was all in all to him. But he had outgrown that time too. Of course he loved his boy, and if,—if certain imaginings and fancies should materialize,—well, he needn’t consult his better self about that yet. “Hello, have you fallen asleep, watching that train off?” A friendly hand slapped him upon the shoulder. Wylie started as though his thoughts were patent to all observers. “I—I have just sent off Elinor and the boy,” he said with confusion. “Ah, that is—shall I say fortunate or unfortunate? Fortunate for them perhaps—bad for you. And you were following them with your mind. Are they to remain away long?” “Three months. They will go to the Atlantic coast before they return.” Wylie spoke with an effort. “And what will you do while they are gone? Board at the club, I suppose.” “Yes, at the Bohemian. I am at the office all day, and most of the nights, so shall have little time to miss my family.” “I see. Well, come to the club oftener, when you can get away. By the way, have you attended any of Mrs. Mount’s receptions lately?” “Yes, I go often. They are enjoyable, which is saying much.” Wylie spoke with enthusiasm. His companion shrugged his shoulders suggestively. “I suppose that depends whether you are in sympathy or not with the very liberal ideas discussed there.” “Are you not in sympathy?” “I don’t like some of the people who go there.” “Did you ever find a society every individual of which you deemed companionable?” “Possibly not, but I have reference to two or three conspicuous persons who are notorious for their immorality.” “To whom do you refer? Not Mr. Falkner?” “Yes, Mr. Falkner for one. He is much married and divorced.” “I am sure all was legal, so far as I know. He separated from number one, and was again married. When number two ran away and left him, he obtained a second divorce, and—married again.” Wylie’s companion looked at him with curious eyes. “I am surprised that you approve of him. From his conduct last evening I should judge there will be a chance for a third divorce. I cannot like the man.” “His conduct? How?” Wylie inquired, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, nervously. His companion gave him a scrutinizing look. “With Mrs. Hartner,” he replied in a dry tone. Horace Wylie winced, but he said in a tone of affected indifference, “I consider Mrs. Hartner a lady.” “Yes? Do you know where her husband is?” “No.” “It is rumored that he has been hired to leave the country.” “For what reason?” “To enable her to get a divorce.” “So? Well, it’s none of my affairs,” and Wylie laughed a mirthless laugh. “Nor mine, but if I were interested in the lady I should keep her away from Mrs. Mount’s. Ta, ta, Wylie. This is my corner.” Young Holden sauntered around it slowly, out of sight.