"I say, you needn't read all that," he said; "I can't stand reading at any time, not even from an actor. Tell me the gist of the matter."
"From the beginning?" asked Arnold, closing the book.
"Certainly--from the very beginning."
"As you please," replied Calvert, and handed the book to Tracey. Fane, still smoking, again leaned back his head and closed his eyes. After a pause, Arnold commenced the story. But after a few words, he broke down irritably--
"I can't tell you the thing if you don't look at me."
"Thanks," said Fane lazily, "I can hear better with my eyes closed."
"Oh, don't bother!" cried Tracey roughly to Calvert. "Get along. The thing's getting on my nerves."
"I hope it won't get on mine," said Fane, with a sigh; "go on."
"Mrs. Brand," commenced Arnold, without further preamble, "was the daughter of my uncle----"
"Yes," murmured Fane, "I heard she was your cousin."