"Well, what then ?" he enquired as if to humour her.
"Why the particular person must never fail.

We must manage it for you somehow." He threw back his head, laughing out; he was really exhilarated.

"Oh yes, somehow!" "Well, I think we each do--don't we ?--in one little way and another and according to our limited lights.

I'm pleased at any rate, for myself, that you are; for I assure you I've done my best." "You do better than any one!" He had struck a match for another cigarette, and the flame lighted an instant his responsive finished face, magnifying into a pleasant grimace the kindness with which he paid her this tribute.

"You're awfully clever, you know; cleverer, cleverer, cleverer--!" He had appeared on the point of making some tremendous statement; then suddenly, puffing his cigarette and shifting almost with violence on his seat, he let it altogether fall..