Nelson ain't as blind as people think. Here, let's open another
bottle to the health of Streff and Mrs. Streff!"

She caught the hand with which he was signalling to the
sommelier. This flushed and garrulous Nelson moved her more
poignantly than a more heroic figure. "No more champagne,
please, Nelson. Besides," she suddenly added, "it's not true."

He stared. "Not true that you're going to marry Altringham?"

"No."

"By George then what on earth did you chuck Nick for? Ain't you
got an Affinity, my dear?"

She laughed and shook her head.

"Do you mean to tell me it's all Nick's doing, then?"

"I don't know. Let's talk of you instead, Nelson. I'm glad
you're in such good spirits. I rather thought--"

He interrupted her quickly. "Thought I'd cut up a rumpus-do
some shooting? I know--people did." He twisted his moustache,
evidently proud of his reputation. "Well, maybe I did see red
for a day or two--but I'm a philosopher, first and last. Before
I went into banking I'd made and lost two fortunes out West.
Well, how did I build 'em up again? Not by shooting anybody
even myself. By just buckling to, and beginning all over again.
That's how ... and that's what I am doing now. Beginning all