He stretched himself out before the fire in his deep lounging-chair with
a feeling of relief. The next moment, however, he was sensible of his
fatigue, and was conscious that he had quite a headache. What a fool he
had been to walk up through the snow! And those people had worried him!

His head throbbed. He had been working too hard of late. He would go and
see his doctor next day and talk it over with him. He could now take his
advice and stop working for a while; he was worth--Confound those
figures! Why could not he think of them without their popping in before
his eyes that way!

There was a footfall on the heavily carpeted floor behind him, so soft
that it could scarcely be said to have made a sound, but Livingstone
caught it. He spoke without turning his head.

"James!"

"Yes, sir. Have you dined, sir?"

"Dined? No, of course not! Where was I to dine?"

"I thought perhaps you had dined at the club. I will have dinner
directly, sir," said the butler quietly.

"Dine at the club! Why should I dine at the club? Haven't I my own house
to dine in?" demanded Livingstone.

"Yes, sir. We had dinner ready, only--as you were so late we thought
perhaps you were dining at the club. You had not said anything about