"A temporary chill," I said. "Go on."

"Well, if you can manage to keep him in check for a month or so he'll
be able to get on his feet again. And it will be like a vacation to
you. If anything happens to Hillars you will be expected to remain
permanently abroad. Hillars suggested you in his letter. Will you be
ready to go next Monday?"

"To-morrow if you like," I answered readily enough. Here was an
opportunity not to be missed. To see new scenes and faces is partially
to forget old ones.

"Very well. I'll give you some letters which will help you. Our
office is in the Strand. Hillars will find you lodgings. He has
bachelor quarters in the west end of the town, where congenial spirits
congregate. Come in to-morrow and we'll talk it over."

I was much pleased with the turn of events. If I could get away from
New York I might forget Phyllis--no, not forget her; I loved her too
well ever to forget her; but the prolonged absence would cure me of my
malady.

Before going to bed that night I lit a cigar, but not with the check.
On sober second thought I calculated that the sum would pay up all my
debts and leave me a comfortable margin. A man can well pocket his
pride when he pockets a thousand dollars with it. And why not? I was
about to start life anew and might as well begin on a philosophical
basis. Who knew but my uncle had foreseen the result of his bequest;
my rage, my pride, and finally lighting a cigar with his check? It