"You've no cause to complain," replied Slingsby; "they've been kind enough to you." "Yes; they recognise good acting." Slingsby looked at him queerly. "Dear boy, I prefer the stage of the House to that of the theatre--the actors are much more amusing." At this moment Felix Rolleston, now looking much older since the Hansom Cab murder case, but as lively as ever, entered the room and danced up to the coterie. "Well, gentlemen," he said gaily, "what is the news?" "Good news, bad news, and such news as you've never heard of," quoted Keith lazily. "Thank you, my local Gratiano," replied Felix, quickly recognising the quotation as from the "Merchant of Venice." "By the way, there's a letter for you outside." "Oh, thanks," said Stewart rising, "I'll go and get it," and he sauntered out lazily. "Humph!" ejaculated Felix, looking after him, "our friend is the author of 'Faust Upset,' I understand?" "Yes," replied Toltby; "deuced good piece." "That means you've got an excellent part," struck in Slingsby mercilessly. "Quite right," retorted Toltby complacently; "all the parts are good--especially Caprice's." "Oh, that goes without saying," said Pelk, with a grin; "our friend is rather sweet there." "So is she," said Felix significantly; "case of reciprocity, dear boy!" "She's given Fenton the go-by." "Yes, and Meddlechip is elevated to the vacancy. Wonder how long it will be before she breaks him?" "Oh, even with her talents for squandering, Caprice can't burst up the richest man in Victoria," said Slingsby vulgarly; "when she does give him up, I suppose Stewart will succeed him." "Not enough cash." "Pooh! what is cash compared to love?" "Eh! a good deal in this case, as Fenton found out." "Speak of the devil," said Felix quickly; "here comes the gentleman in question." Fenton, looking harassed and worn, entered the room, and glanced round. Seeing Rolleston, he came over to him and began to talk. "Guess you look happy, boys," he said, in his nasal voice. "It's more than you do," replied Rolleston, scanning him keenly. "No; I've overworked myself," said Fenton coolly, "I need pulling up a bit." "Go and see a doctor--try tonics." "Ah, bah! glass of champagne will fix me straight. Here, waiter, bring in a bottle of Heidsieck. Any of you boys join?" All the boys assenting to the hospitable proposition, Fenton ordered two bottles, and lighted a huge cigar. When the waiter came back with the wine, Keith also entered, with a soft look on his face which puzzled Rolleston. He had put on his overcoat. "Ah!" said that astute gentleman, "you look pleased--your letter was pleasant?" "Yes, very," replied Keith laconically. "Then it was from a woman," said Fenton. "Humph! that's generally anything but pleasant," grunted Slingsby. "No doubt, to such a Don Juan as you," said Pelk, amid a general laugh. The waiter was opening the wine so slowly that Fenton lost patience, and snatched one bottle up from the table.