He was manly, but he was calculating; he was honorably disposed toward
matrimony, but he was not reborn with love. And so, in the sober
bedroom of the club, he quickly fell into the good sleep induced by
fatigue and healthy nerves.

Morning brought counsel and a disposition to renew operations. A note
was despatched to his Diana by a private messenger, and the boy was
bidden to wait for an answer. It came presently:


"Come at twelve, if you wish.

"MELANIE REYNIER."


Aleck smiled with satisfaction. Here was a wise venture going through
happily, he hoped. He was pleased that she had named the very hour he
had asked for the night before. That was like her good, frank way of
meeting a situation, and it augured well for the unknown emergencies of
their future life. He had little patience with timidity and
traditional coyness in women, and great admiration for an open and
fearless spirit. Mélanie's note almost set his heart thumping.

But not quite; and no one understood the cool nature of that organ
better than Mélanie herself. The ladies in the apartment at the
Archangel had lingered at their breakfast, the austerity of which had
been mitigated by a center decoration of orchids and fern,
fresh-touched with dew; or so Madame Reynier had described them to
Mélanie, as she brought them to her with the card of Mr. Lloyd-Jones.
Miss Reynier smiled faintly, admired the blossoms and turned away.