A green-topped table occupied the centre of the apartment, a massive affair, flanked by a leather upholstered reading chair, while before the front windows were cushioned ledges.

My rapid glimpse about ended in Peter standing in dignified silence barely within the door, his hand upon the knob.
"I am authorized, sir," he said impressively, gazing directly across my shoulder, not a feature expressing emotion, "to permit you to remain here on parole." "Parole! What do you mean ?" "Parole was, I believe, the word used, sir," in calm explanation.

"It is, as I understand, sir, a military term signifying pledge." "Oh, I know that.

Kindly concede that I possess some small intelligence, Peter.

But to whom is this parole given, and what does it imply ?" "To myself, sir.