lled him there--I was going to say, at
his ease, but no expression could be farther from the truth. He was
plainly on pins and needles, did not know whether to take or to refuse
the segar, and, after he had taken it, did not know whether to light or
to return it. I saw he had something to say; I did not think it was his
own something; and I was ready to offer a large bet it was really
something of Major Chevenix's.

"Well, and so here you are!" I observed, with pointless cordiality, for
I was bound I should do nothing to help him out. If he were, indeed,
here running errands for my rival, he might have a fair field, but
certainly no favour.

"The fact is," he began, "I would rather see you alone."

"Why, certainly," I replied. "Rowley, you can step into the bedroom. My
dear fellow," I continued, "this sounds serious. Nothing wrong, I
trust."

"Well, I'll be quite honest," said he. "I _am_ a good deal bothered."

"And I bet I know why!" I exclaimed. "And I bet I can put you to rights,
too!"

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"You must be hard up," said I, "and all I can say is, you've come to the
right place. If you have the least use for a hundred pounds, or any such
trifling sum as that, please mention it. It's here, quite at your
service."

"I am sure it is most kind of you," said Ronald, "and the truth is,
though I can't think how you guessed it, that I really _am_ a little
behind board. But I haven't come to talk about that."

"No, I dare say!" cried I. "Not worth talking about! But remember,
Ronald, you and I are on different sides of the business. Remember that
you did me one of those services that make men friends for ever. And
since I have had the fortune to come into a fair share of money, just
oblige me, and consider so much of it as your own."

"No," he said, "I couldn't take it; I couldn't, really. Besides, the
fact is, I've come on a very different matter. It's about my sister, St.
Ives," and he shook his head menacingly at me.

"You're quite sure?" I persisted. "It's here, at your service--up to
five hundred pounds, if you like. Well, all right; only remember where
it is when you do want it."

"O, please let me alone!" cried Ronald: "I've come to say something
unpleasant; and how on earth can I do it, if you don't give a fellow a
chance? It's about my sister, as I said. You can see for yourself that
it can't be allowed to go on. It's compromising; it don't lead to
anything; and you're not the