exquisite puff--the smoker's paradise would be the one first full
and fragrant, virginal puff of an infinite succession of perfect
cigars--looked anxiously at the glowing point to see that it was
exactly lighted, and leaned back in his chair.

"What you say, dear," said he, "is plausible. Plausible almost to
the point of conviction. But there's a hole somewhere in your
argument, I'm sure, and I'm too tired after my journey to find it."

Thus, as the stars in their courses fought against Sisera, so did
they fight for Paul; and in both cases they used a woman as their
instrument.

Colonel Winwood, in spite of a masculine air of superiority, joined
with the Archbishops and Cabinet Ministers above referred to in
their appreciation of his sister's judgment. After all, what
business of his were the private affairs of his involuntary guest?
He paid him a visit the next day, and found him lying on a couch by
the sunny window, clad in dressing gown and slippers. Paul rose
politely, though he winced with pain.

"Don't get up, please. I'm Colonel Winwood."

They shook hands. Paul began to wheel an armchair from the bedside,
but Colonel Winwood insisted on his lying down again and drew up the
chair himself. "I'm afraid," said Paul, "I've been a sad trespasser
on your hospitality. Miss Winwood must have told you it has scarcely
been my fault; but I don't know how to express my thanks."

As Paul made it, the little speech could not have been better.