"Come," called out Virginia.
The door opened and Stafford entered.
Chapter XIV
As the millionaire advanced into the room it was easy to see that he was not himself. His face was flushed, his eyes brilliant, his gait awkward and uncertain. The bosom of his full dress shirt was rumpled and his white tie awry. He had every appearance of having just come from some midnight orgy, and, like most roysterers who take their wine joyously, he was in the highest spirits. Making with his right arm a wide sweeping gesture meant to include all present in a general salutation, he hiccoughed:
"Ev'ning, everybody!"
He stood still in the centre of the room, maintaining with difficulty the centre of gravitation and grinning upon each in turn.
"Isn't he jolly to-night?" laughed Fanny.
"Got 'em again," chuckled Jim in an undertone.