The Knave of Diamonds

e M.F.H., was standing on the steps of the Carfax

f-insolent gallantry of his that no woman ever dreamed of resenting. Like his names

and had begun to pack up. In the refreshm

"One feels so demoralised at this end of the night. Nap, I wish you would find

d Nap. "I saw her standing in the door

thought they went long ago. Is

is stil

the ladies' cloak-room,

a white wrap that made her face loo

amer. "I quite thought you left ages ag

nothing, thank you. I am on

r hastened to veil her solicitude, which was evidently unwelcome. She

in her quiet voice,

. Damer's neck, and Mrs

ou are as cold as ice. A

very warm, you know. It

will not delay your depa

not be long

Errol to find him,

ry. Please do not trouble about me. A few m

weariness. She was still faintly smiling as

e," she said. "I shall le

suffering." Mrs. Damer bustled back into the hall. "Are you there, Nap? Do see if you can find Sir

aid Lady Carfax behind her. "No do

riage first, Mrs. Damer," he said, offering his arm. "Your husband is busy for the moment-some trifling matt

as something imperative about Nap just then. They passed out together on to

e was clattering down the street, and

me take you home in my moto

e as though they still tried to smile. "Thank

go away. Come, Lady Carfax!" His dark eyes gazed straight into her own, determined, d

he sai

eld, and then drew back again. "Really, I had

he smoke-room. I won't tell you what he is like. You probably know. But if you

hood of her cloak over her head

on to the steps. A large covered motor had just glided u

e no re

after a word with the ch

in another moment were shooting forward

ss. The glare of the little electric lamp upon her f

ont, his jaw set grimly. He held the gloves he had worn all the evening between his ha

street behind and cam

etly, Anne spoke. "Thi

Er

opened her eyes to address hi

he said deliberately. "If you manage to inspi

es again. It was evident tha

ed at his torn gloves, and tos

ough the night like an inspired chariot of the gods. There

onily before him, rigid as a statue, w

s the speed began to slacken. The

ghted. "Have you a key?" he s

downwards half-dreamily as on

beginning to smile, "I

of Dia

sleep," he sai

ght her back, and in a moment, like the soft dr

e said, "Please excuse m

s, I have

nd and stepped

Errol," she said.

he merely stood till he heard the key turn in the lock, then stepped back int

dering if her dream had