Now, what did you order to-night?
Were you an ascetic or a sybarite ?" "Usually," said Peter, "I eat a very simple dinner." "And to-night ?" "Why do you want to know about to-day ?" "Because I wish to learn where you dined, and thought I could form some conclusion from your menu." Miss De Voe laughed, so as to make it appear a joke, but she knew very well that she was misbehaving.
"I didn't reply to your question," said Peter, "because I would have preferred not.

But if you really wish to know, I'll answer it." "Yes.

I should like to know." Miss De Voe still smiled.
"I haven't dined." "Mr.Stirling! You are joking ?" Miss De Voe's smile had ended, and she was sitting up very straight in her chair.

Women will do without eating for an indefinite period, and think nothing of it, but the thought of a hungry man fills them with horror--unless they have the wherewithal to mitigate the consequent appetite.

Hunger with woman, as regards herself, is "a theory." As regards a man it is "a condition." "No," said Peter.
Miss De Voe touched the bell again, but quickly as Morden answered it, Peter was already speaking.
"You are not to trouble yourself on my account, Miss De Voe.