r if
one is in need of a little refreshment."

Burton nodded his approbation.

"How we could ever have found our way into the place," he said, "I can't
imagine."

"A moment or two ago," Mr. Waddington groaned, "you were thinking of
sending up for Maud."

Burton, at this, wiped the perspiration from his forehead.

"Please don't remind me of it," he begged. "Let us get away as quickly
as we can."

The young lady leaned over from the bar, holding out a hand, none too
clean, on which sparkled several rings.

"Well, you're in a great hurry all at once," she remarked. "Can't you
stay a bit longer?"--She glanced at the clock.--"Maud will be down in
ten minutes. You're not going away after all this time without leaving
a message or something for her, Mr. Burton, surely?"

Burton looked at her across the counter as one might look at some
strange creature from a foreign world, a creature to be pitied, perhaps,
nothing more.

"I am afraid," he said, "that mine was only a chance visit. Pray
remember me to Miss Maud, if you think it would be any satisfaction to
her."

The young woman stared at him.

"My, but you are funny!" she declared. "You were always such a one for
acting! I'll give her your love, never fear. I shall tell her you'll
be round later in the day. On Thursday night, then," she added, turning
to Mr. Waddington, "if I don't see you before, and if you really mean
you're not going to stay for lunch. I'll meet you at the corner as
usual."

Mr. Waddington turned away without apparently noticing the outstretched
hand. He raised his hat, however, most politely. "If I should be
prevented," he began,--The young woman glared at him.

"Look here, I've had enough of this shilly-shallying!" she exclaimed
sharply. "Do you mean taking me out on Thursday or do you not?--because
there's a gentleman who comes in here for his beer most every morning
who's most anxious I should dine out with him my next night off. I've
only to say the word and he'll fetch me in a taxicab. I'm not sure that
he hasn't got a motor of his own. No more nonsense, if you please, Mr.
Waddington," she continued, shaking out her duster. "Is that an
engagement with you on Thursday night, or is it not?"

Mr. Waddington measured with his eye the distance to the door. He
gripped Burton's arm and looked over his shoulder.

"It is not," he said firmly.

They left the place a little precipitately. Once in the open air,
however, they seemed quickly