With laughter at such a capital joke, Piers disbursed the coin.
Quaint, comical fellow, this brother of his I He liked him, and was
beginning to like Biddy too.

A cab bore them all to Queen's Gate, Alexander and his wife making
the journey just for the fun of the thing. Piers would have paid for
the vehicle back to Theobald's Road, but this his brother declined;
he and Mrs. Otway preferred the top of a 'bus this warm night. They
parted at Mr. Jacks' door, where carriages and cabs were stopping
every minute or two.

"I'll sit up for you, Piers," roared Alexander genially. "You'll
want a whisky-and-soda after this job. Come along, Biddy!"

In another frame of mind, Piers would have felt the impropriety of
these loud remarks at such a moment. Even as it was, he would
doubtless have regretted the incident had he turned his head to
observe the two persons who had just alighted and were moving up the
steps close behind him. A young, slim, perfectly equipped man, with
features expressive of the most becoming sentiment; a lady--or
girl--of admirable figure, with bright, intelligent, handsome
face. These two exchanged a look; they exchanged a discreet murmur;
and were careful not to overtake Piers Otway in the hall.

He, hat and overcoat surrendered, moved up the gleaming staircase. A
sound of soft music fluttered his happy temper. Seeing his form in a
mirror, he did not at once recognise himself; for his face had a
high colour, with the result of making him far more comely than at
ordinary times. He stepped firmly on, delighted to be here, eager to