stones. I could still see an occasional glimmer from the windows
I had left. But the light was now on this side, now on that; the
running water chuckled in one ear after the other; there was nothing
for it but to return in all humility for the lantern which I had
been so foolish as to refuse.

And as I resigned myself to this imperative though inglorious course,
my heart warmed once more to the jovial young squire. He would
laugh, but not unkindly, at my grotesque dilemma; at the thought of
his laughter I began to smile myself. If he gave me another chance
I would smoke that cigar with him before starting home afresh, and
remove, front my own mind no less than from his, all ill impressions.
After all it was not his fault that I had taken too much of his wine;
but a far worse offence was to be sulky in one s cups. I would show
him that I was myself again in all respects. I have admitted that
I was temporarily, at all events, a creature of extreme moods. It
was in this one that I retraced my steps towards the lights, and at
length let myself into the garden by the postern at which I had
shaken Rattray's hand not ten minutes before.

Taking heart of grace, I stepped up jauntily to the porch. The
weeds muffled my steps. I myself had never thought of doing so,
when all at once I halted in a vague terror. Through the deep
lattice windows I had seen into the lighted hall. And Rattray was
once more seated at his table, a little company of men around him.

I crept nearer, and my heart stopped. Was I delirious, or raving
mad with wine? Or had the sea given up its dead?