aid. She reflected that his face was sad, and that there
was no joy in his eyes.

"Forgive me, a stranger, asking a question," he went on. "Do you find
life happy?"

"Exceedingly."

"That is interesting. I wish I knew your secret."

"By ceasing to play a part."

She had not meant to say this; but the words escaped her before she
realised them.

"How can one do that?"

"By seeking to serve the spectators, instead of pleasing them."

He laughed almost bitterly.

"If the spectators were only worth it," he said. He held out his hand.
"Good-night, Miss Castlemaine," he said; "thank you again very much."

He walked into the hall, where Mr. Lowry stood awaiting him.

"Is Purvis ready?"

"He is talking with Mr. Castlemaine."

Instinctively Leicester felt that he was the subject of the
conversation, and Leicester was right.

Purvis had explained his visit to Mr. Castlemaine in a very few words,
then he said, "A funny fellow--Leicester, isn't he?"

"He is no ordinary man," said Mr. Castlemaine. "He should have a great
career."

Purvis shook his head.

"You do not think so?"

"I do not deny his cleverness," said Purvis. "That is generally
recognised; but--but----"

"Oh, I take but little notice of his joking," said John Castlemaine,
"for he was joking."

"No, he was not joking."

"You mean that----"

"He believes in nothing--neither in God nor man. He does not believe in
the commonplaces of Christian morality. He makes a boast of his
atheism."

Mr. Castlemaine looked serious.

"That is a great pity for the poor fellow," he said.

"But that's not the worst," said Purvis.

"No?"

"No; it's an awful pity, but he's a hard drinker."

"Ah, I'm very sorry, for he struck me as a man with great
possibilities."

Mr. Castlemaine did not seem to enjoy Purvis's conversation, and he
moved into the hall, to bid his guests good-night.

During the ride to London Leicester was very silent. The car swept
swiftly along the now almost empty roads, and presently stood outside
the club where we first met the man whose story I am trying to tell.

Directly they entered the smoking-room, Leicester ordered a large
whisky, which he drank quickly. It seemed as though his abstinence at
Mr. Castlemaine's had caused cravings which he was eager to appease.

"Well," said Purvis presently, "you've taken the first step."

"Yes, I've taken the first step."

"I say, Leicester, give it up--it's not right."

Leicester sh