The two men dined together, and sat by the fire afterwards with a bottle of claret between them, smoking their cigars, and talking till late into the night.
It was not to be supposed that Adela Branston's name could be omitted entirely from this confidential talk.
"I have seen nothing and heard very little of her while I have been away," John Saltram said, in answer to a question of Gilbert's; "but I called in Cavendish-square this afternoon, and was fortunate enough to find her at home.

She wants me to dine with her next Sunday, and I half promised to do so.

Will you come too?
I know that she would be glad to see you." "I cannot see that I am wanted, John." "But I tell you that you are wanted.

I wish you to go with me.

Mrs.
Branston likes you amazingly, if you care to know the opinion of so frivolous a person." "I am very much flattered by Mrs.Branston's kindly estimate of me, but I do not think I have any claim to it, except the fact that I am your friend.