"How late you are," said Stephen who was already dressed for dinner. "I have been anxiously expecting you this last hour!"
"I had to go into Beorminster," said Herrick carelessly. "Joyce has been called up to town and I went to see the last of him."
"I am glad he has gone," Stephen said gravely. "I don't like him. I think he is false. As for the Mexican---" he shrugged his shoulders.
Herrick, who was pouring himself a glass of sherry as an appetizer turned with a laugh. "The Mexican is a bad lot sure enough," he said. "As to Joyce he is more of a fool than a knave."
"I forgot that he was your friend."
"You do quite right to use the past tense Steve. He _was_ my friend, but he is so no longer." Herrick laughed again and sipped his sherry. "I have taken you for a change."
"You know well that I will never fail you," said Stephen warmly. "No. I suppose we shall remain good friends till you marry. Then you will forget me, and think only of your wife."
"You know better than that Jim. Besides Ida is fond of you."
"I know. I was fond of Ida too at one time--that was before she was engaged to you. But I have not played you false Steve."
"You are telling me old news," replied Marsh-Carr smiling. "I saw that you were in love with Ida."