then." Such a decade
ago it seemed since Jessop had been wont to admit him without question
and take his hat and coat.

But Jessop did not smile to-night, and did not move back an inch when
he saw who was the caller.

Micky was nonplussed.

"Er--anybody in?" he asked awkwardly.

"No, sir; the mistress and the young ladies are all out, sir...."

"Oh!" There was a little silence; then Micky turned on his heel.
"Well, good-night!" he said jerkily.

He walked away, not sure if he was relieved or disappointed. A few
yards down the road he almost cannoned into a man he knew.

"Hullo, Philips! Where are you off to?"

Philips stopped.

"Hullo, Micky! Not coming my way? I'm going to the Delands. What's up
with you? Haven't seen you for a week or more."

"I've been seedy," Micky said hurriedly. "And the Delands are out.
I've just called there myself."

"Eh?" Philips tried hard to see his face through the darkness. "Rot,"
he said at last. "They've got a musical evening on--I had a special
invite."

Micky said nothing. This was a nasty blow; apparently the Delands were
only "not at home" to him. Jove! he must have behaved caddishly. He
walked on feeling very subdued. Had he quite lost his wits, he
wondered, that for the sake of a girl who would have none of him he
was willing to offend all his old friends? He tried to look at his
behaviour from Marie Deland's point of view. Yes, it must look pretty
rotten, he was forced to admit.

He thought about it all the time he walked home. He asked himself
honestly if this new game was worth the candle.

Esther loved another man.

Already she had shown him that she cared nothing for him or his
friendship, and yet--yet---- Micky set his teeth. He had never wanted
anything really badly in all his life before, but now he wanted this
girl.

"I'm not done yet, anyway," he told himself. "After all--let the best
man win."

He felt that he had decided a question of great importance as he went
back to his rooms; it was a pleasant surprise to find Driver there;
Micky beamed.

"You've got back, then?"

"Yes, sir."

The man took Micky's hat and coat, and turned to go.

Micky stared.

"Everything all right?" he asked, with a touch of anxiety.

"Yes, sir."

"You posted the letter?"

"Yes, sir, and had it weighed...." There was a little pause.

"Is that all?" Micky asked. "Nothing else happened?"

The man raised his expressionless eyes.

"I should have got in this mo