“And what time was it Travers wanted you to meet him here? I’d almost forgotten.”

“At half-past ten,” answered Helen, taken off her 115 guard and submitting unconsciously to his cross-examination.

“Oh, yes, at half-past ten,” he repeated. “That’s right.”

“But you,” pointedly addressing Barnes, “must tell him I may be late.”

“I will,” acquiesced Barnes, a trifle bewildered.

“I hope you will be very late,” cut in Gladwin.

“What do you mean?” she caught him up.

“I mean you have no idea what a mad thing you are going to do.”

“Please”–––she began icily.

“Don’t be angry,” he pleaded. “I’m saying this for your good.”