My somewhat theatrical statement to you was based upon probability, and not upon any certain foreknowledge.

As you see, it came off." "And the cause of their quarrel ?" Francis asked.
"There might have been a hundred reasons," Sir Timothy observed.

"As a matter of fact, it was the eternal one.

There is no need to mention a woman's name, so we will let it go at that." There was a moment's silence--a strange, unforgettable moment for Francis Ledsam, who seemed by some curious trick of the imagination to have been carried away into an impossible and grotesque world.

The hum of eager conversation, the popping of corks, the little trills of feminine laughter, all blended into one sensual and not unmusical chorus, seemed to fade from his ears.