The stairs had rather tried one who had to elevate such a weight at each step; he breathed hard, but placidly.
Mrs.St.Pierre Lawrence received him with an unusual empressement.
Dormer Colville, who was discovered sitting as far from her as the size of the room allowed, was less eager, but he brought forward a chair for the banker and glanced sharply at his face as he sat down.
"So glad to see you," the hostess explained.

"It is really kind of you to come and cheer one up on such a dull afternoon.

Dormer and I--won't you take off your coat?
No, let ME put it aside for you.

Dormer and I were just--just saying how dull it was.

Weren't we ?" She looked from one to the other with a rather unnatural laugh.