The man assessed Philip at a glance, and then, as if liking what he found in him, smiled so that white furrows appeared in his tanned cheeks.

With a motion of his hand he swept aside his papers and beckoned the other to sit with him.

He called on the drawer to bring a flask of Cyprus.
"I was about to have my evening draught," he said.

"Will you honour me with your company, sir ?" The voice was so pleasant that Philip, who was in a mood to shun talk, could not refuse.

He sat down by the board, and moved aside a paper to make room for the wine.