mfortable
silence. Perhaps they were all feeling guilty; perhaps they all
remembered with what relish they had listened to this spicy bit of
scandal.

"Never could stand Ashton," some one said presently, in gruff
abasement. "Worm--the man is!--perfect outsider!"

There were several grunts of assent; the sympathy was decidedly with
Micky.

After a moment he rose to his feet.

"I suppose an apology is due from me too," he said; he spoke with
difficulty. "But I think any of you--in the same circumstances----"

He waited a moment.

"Quite right--certainly.... Should have done the same myself."

Micky smiled faintly.

"And I am sure you won't let this go any further--for--for my wife's
sake," he added.

They pressed round him, shaking him by the hand and reassuring him.
Micky took it for what it was worth. He knew that those of them who
were married men would go straight home and tell their wives of the
scene at Hoopers', and he knew how speedily the story would spread.

He got away as soon as he could and left the house.

He never gave Marie another thought, till he found himself out in the
street and walking away through the fresh spring night.

He took off his hat and let the air blow on his hot forehead; his hand
still trembled with excitement.

He tried to think, but his thoughts would not come clearly. When he
got back to his rooms he asked Driver for a stiff brandy. The man
looked at his master diffidently, and asked if anything were the
matter.

Micky laughed.

"Why? Do I look as if there is?" He glanced at himself in the mirror.
His face was very white.

"No, there's nothing the matter. I'm tired, that's all."

Driver turned to the door, but Micky called him back.

"You've been with me a good many years, Driver," he said.

"Yes, sir."

"And you've been a faithful servant."

"Thank you, sir."

The man's stolidness did not change a fraction.

Micky took a gulp at the brandy.

"If you were to hear that I'm married, you wouldn't be surprised,
would you?" he asked with a rush.

Driver stood immovable.

"Not in the least, sir."

"You would even say that you knew that I've been married some weeks,
wouldn't you?"

"I should, sir."

"Good--you may go."

"Thank you, sir, and good-night."

"Good-night," said Micky.

And now, what was to be done now?

When he left this room three hours ago it had been with the
determination to put the past behind him for ever, and what had he
don