I liked him for his tacit sympathy, and better still for the amusing disappointment in his gallant, young face.
"I am sorry to have robbed you of a pleasant chase," said I."At one time I should have been the first to join you.

But, to tell you the truth, I've had enough excitement lately to last me for my life." "I can believe that," he answered, with his fine eyes full upon me.
How strangely I had misjudged him! I saw no vulgar curiosity in his flattering gaze, but rather that very sympathy of which I stood in need.
I offered him my hand.
"It is very good of you to give in," I said.

"No one else has heard a thing, you see.

I shall look for another opportunity of thanking you to-morrow." "No, no!" cried he, "thanks be hanged, but--but, I say, if I promise you not to bore you about things--won't you drink a glass of brandy-and-water in my room before you turn in again ?" Brandy-and-water being the very thing I needed, and this young man pleasing me more and more, I said that I would join him with all my heart, and returned to my room for my dressing-gown and slippers.

To find them, however, I had to light my candles, when the first thing I saw was the havoc my marauder had left behind him.