really happened we knew no more now than before. Perhaps Miss
Lottie herself knew--or she might not know. Garrick quite
evidently was willing to let future developments in the case show
what had really happened. There was nothing to be gained by
forcing things at this stage of the game, either in the gambling
den around the corner or here.

We chatted along for several minutes longer on inconsequential
subjects, treating as important those trivialities which Bohemia
considers important and scoffing at the really good and true
things of life that the demi-monde despises. It was all banality
now, for we had touched upon the real question in our minds and
had bounded as lightly off it as a toy balloon bounds off an
opposing surface.

Warrington had kept silent during the visit, I noticed, and seemed
relieved when it was over. I could not imagine that he was known
here inasmuch as they treated him quite as they treated us.

Apparently, though, he had no relish for a possible report of the
excursion to get to Miss Winslow's ears. He was the first to
leave, as Garrick, after paying for our refreshments and making a
neat remark or two about the tasteful way in which the gambling
room was furnished, rescued our hats and coats from the negro
servant, and said good-night with a promise to drop in again.

"What would Mrs. de Lancey think of THAT?" Garrick could not help
saying, as we reached the street.

Warrington gave a nervous little forced laugh, not at all such as