His step was buoyant, almost jaunty, yet in his blue eyes, as he bent over the hand of the woman upon whom he had come to call, lurked something of the disquietude which, notwithstanding his most strenuous efforts, was beginning to assert itself.
"You make me very happy, my dear Naida," he began, "that you receive me thus so informally.

Your good father is smoking in the lounge.

He bade me come up." She beckoned him to a seat.
"A thousand thanks for your flowers, my friend," she said.

"Now tell me why you are possessed to see me at this untimely hour.

I always rest for a time after luncheon, and I am only here because the sunshine filled my room and made me restless." "There is a little matter of news," he announced slowly.