Guest changed the position of his chair, took up a book, and crossed to a lounge, but as he was in the act of turning it he saw that Stratton was watching him keenly. "Don't do that. I want you to leave me now." "I know you do," said Guest quietly; "but I am not going." Stratton drew a heavy, catching breath, and lay back in his chair, while Guest opened the book he had taken at random, and read from it half a dozen romances which he made up as he went on. For he could not see a word of the printed matter, and in each of these romances his friend was the hero, who was being hunted to desperation by some woman with whom he had become entangled. From time to time he glanced across at his friend as the hours glided by, hoping to see that he slept; but he always caught a glimpse of a pair of eager eyes watching him. At last, about six o'clock, faint, weary, and oppressed by the terrible silence in the room, Guest laid down the book. "Going?" said Stratton eagerly. "No. Only to send for Mrs Brade." "What for?" "To get her to run to the Peacock, and tell them to bring some dinner and a bottle of Bass. You can eat something?" "Bring dinner--here?" gasped Stratton. "Yes. I have had nothing since early breakfast." "You cannot have it here," said Stratton, making an effort, and speaking firmly. "I am better and calmer now. After a night's rest I shall be myself again." "I hope so," said Guest quietly. "So go now, there's a good fellow. I'll explain everything to you some day, and I shall be far better alone." "Yes; you are fit to trust!" "You need not sneer. You think I shall make some insane attempt upon my life." Guest looked at him fixedly. "Yes; you have good reason for doubting me, but I swear to you that you may trust me." At that moment steps were heard upon the stairs, almost inaudible; but whoever it was whistled some melody, and before Stratton could stay him, Guest threw open the door, and called to the whistler to come back. "Want me, sir?" said a telegraph boy, appearing in the opening. "Yes," said Guest, giving the boy sixpence; "ask the woman at the lodge to come up here directly." "All right, sir." Guest returned to his seat, and saw that Stratton's face was averted and his eyes closed. "Finds he must give way," said the young barrister to himself; and once more there was silence, till Mrs Brade's knock was heard. Guest admitted her, and cut short a string of wondering exclamations by giving her his orders. "Oh, certainly, sir," she cried; "but I thought--" "Yes, of course you did, my dear madam, but unfortunately Mr Stratton was suddenly taken ill." "Oh, poor dear!" cried Mrs Brade, in deep concern. "Let me go and ask my doctor to--" "No," cried Stratton so fiercely that the woman started and turned pale.