A subtle change swept over him.

Whether it was permanent, or only passing, he could not tell.
A tingling cry from the electric bell in the passage told of Julian's arrival, and in a moment he entered.

He looked gay, almost rowdy, and clapped Valentine on the shoulder rather boisterously.
"Why on earth are you in here ?" he exclaimed.

"Have you been playing ?" "No." "Are you in an exalted state of mind, that demands the best parlour for its environment ?" "Hardly." "But why then have you let out the fire in the den and enthroned yourself here ?" "A whim, Julian.

I felt a strong inclination to sit in this room to-night.