"I dream with open eyes," he answered, looking around at the door,
"and others see my dreams. That is all."

"But that's beautiful," responded Mrs. Jameson. She smiled rather
absently, for the first guest had just entered.

It was Kent-Smith, the ex-magistrate, celebrated for his shrewd
judicial humour, which, however, he had the good sense not to attempt
to carry into private life. Although well on the wrong side of
seventy, his eyes were still disconcertingly bright. With the
selective skill of an old man, he immediately settled himself in the
most comfortable of many comfortable chairs.

"So we are to see wonders tonight?"

"Fresh material for your autobiography," remarked Faull.

"Ah, you should not have mentioned my unfortunate book. An old
public servant is merely amusing himself in his retirement, Mr.
Backhouse. You have no cause for alarm--I have studied in the
school of discretion."

"I am not alarmed. There can be no possible objection to your
publishing whatever you please."

"You are most kind," said the old man, with a cunning smile.

"Trent is not coming tonight," remarked Mrs. Jameson, throwing a
curious little glance at her brother.