There were not half a dozen people left at the tables, and the scheme was that Rossland should be served tete-a-tete with Miss Standish, of course.

That, apparently, was why she had greeted him with such cool civility.

Her anxiety for him to leave the table before Rossland appeared upon the scene was evident, now that he understood the situation.
He puffed at his cigar.

Rossland's interference had spoiled a perfect lighting of it, and he struck another match.

This time he was successful, and he was about to extinguish the burning end when he hesitated and held it until the fire touched his flesh.