"Good afternoon to you," said that gentleman, huskily.

"He got a bad cold coming from Ireland," explained Mr. Stokes, "and,
foolish-like, he went outside a 'bus with me the other night and made it
worse."

"Oh-h!" said Mrs. Henshaw, slowly. "Indeed! Really!"

"He's quite curious to see George," said Mr. Stokes. "In fact, he was
going back to Ireland tonight if it 'adn't been for that. He's waiting
till to-morrow just to see George."

Mr. Bell, in a voice huskier than ever, said that he had altered his
mind again.

[Illustration: "'George!' she exclaimed, sharply."]

"Nonsense!" said Mr. Stokes, sternly. "Besides, George would like to see
you. I s'pose he won't be long?" he added, turning to Mrs. Henshaw, who
was regarding Mr. Bell much as a hungry cat regards a plump sparrow.

"I don't suppose so," she said, slowly.

"I dare say if we wait a little while--" began Mr. Stokes, ignoring a
frantic glance from Mr. Henshaw.

"Come in," said Mrs. Henshaw, suddenly.

Mr. Stokes entered and, finding that his friend hung back, went out