you know that I've just got to be doing something. I've been inactive
too long. I am ashamed to say that I should tire of the house in a
week or less. Change, change, of air, of place, of occupation;
change--I must have it. It's food and drink."

"You've met this woman before, somewhere."

"I neither acknowledge nor deny. It will be very novel. I shall be
busy from morning till night. Think of the fun of meeting persons
whom you know, but who do not know you. I wouldn't give up this
chance for any amount of money."

"Forty Dollars a month," said I, wrathfully.

"Cigar money,"--tranquilly.

"Look here, Bob; be reasonable. You can't go about as a groom in
Washington. If the newspapers ever get hold of it, you would be
disgraced. They wouldn't take you as a clerk in a third-rate
consulate. Supposing you should run into Jack or his wife or Nancy;
do you think they wouldn't know you at once?"

"I'll take the risk. I'd deny that I knew them; they'd tumble and
leave me alone. Chuck, I've got to do this. Some day you'll
understand."

"But the woman's name, Bob; only her name."

"Oh, yes! And have you slide around and show me up within twenty-four
hours. No, I thank you. I am determined on this. You ought to know me