The stranger was still an enigma.

He placed bottle and glass on the table, wondering to what extent the man would help himself.
The quantity was small and well diluted.

So this member of the family was not a drunkard.
"How did you come to be in such a state ?" asked Margaret nervously.

"It is hardly six months since I sent you L500; not a very large sum, I admit, but all you asked me for, and more than enough to live on for a much longer period." Robert laughed pleasantly.

It was the first token of returning confidence.
He reached for a cigar, and sought Margaret's permission to smoke.
"My dear girl," he answered, "I am really a very unfortunate person.