Clephane. I was sure that you were a prisoner somewhere in this hotel;
to find you every room was being inspected."

"Why did you think I was a prisoner in the midst of all this gaiety?"
she asked.

"Because I was lured by a message purporting to be from you to the ninth
floor and garroted. I escaped. However, that is another story; yours
first, my lady."

"You too!" she marvelled.

He nodded. "And now we are sitting together at dinner, looking at the
crowd, and you're about to tell me your story."

"Thanks to you for having escaped and rescued me!" Mrs. Clephane
exclaimed.

"The management devised the way."

"But _you_ prompted it--you are the one I have to thank."

"If you insist, far be it from me to decline! It's well worth anything I
can do to--have you look at me as you're looking now."

"I hope I'm looking half that I feel," she replied instantly.

"A modest man would be more than repaid by half the look," he returned.

"Are you a modest man?" she smiled.