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