be back in town early in the
following week. This was on a Thursday, and he was aware that he could
not postpone his interview with Burton till after Julia's return. So he
went to his club, and nailing himself as it were to the writing-table,
made an appointment for the following morning. He would be with Burton
at the Adelphi at twelve o'clock. He had been in trouble, he said, and
that trouble had kept him from the office and from Onslow Crescent.
Having written this, he sent it off, and then played billiards, and
smoked, and dined, played more billiards, and smoked and drank till the
usual hours of the night had come. He was not a man who liked such
things. He had not become what he was by passing his earlier years after
this fashion. But his misery required excitement, and, billiards, with
tobacco, were better than the desolation of solitude.

On the following morning he did not breakfast till near eleven. Why
should he get up as long as it was possible to obtain the relief which
was to be had from dozing? As far as possible he would not think of the
matter till he had put his hat upon his head to go to The Adelphi. But
the time for taking his hat soon came, and he started on his short
journey. But even as he walked, he could not think of it. He was
purposeless, as a ship without a rudder, telling himself that he could
only go as the winds might direct him. How he did hate himself for his
one weakness! And yet he hardly made an effort to overcome it. On one
point only did he seem to have a resolve. If Burton attempted to use
with him anything like a threat, he would instantly resent it.

Punctually at twelve he walked into the outer office, and was told that
Mr. Burton was in his room.

"Halloa, Clavering," said Walliker, who was standing with his back to
the fire, "I thought we had lost you for good and all. And here you are
come back again!"

Harry had always disliked this man, and now hated him worse than ever.
"Yes; I am here," said he, "for a few minutes; but I believe I need not
trouble you."

"All right, old fellow," said Walliker; and then Harry passed through
into the inner room.

"I am very glad to see you, Harry," said Burton, rising, and giving his
hand cordially to Clavering. "And I am sorry to hear that you have been
in trouble. Is it anything in which we can help you?"

"I hope--Mrs. Burton is well," said Harry, hesitating.

"Pretty well."

"And the children?"

"Quite well. They say you ar