"The best of all possible worlds, according to Voltaire," remarked Eustace, leaning back with a disbelieving smile, "but you've left out one ingredient which some people consider very necessary."

"And that is----?"

"Love!"

"Ab, I've got that," said Guy turning a fond eye on his wife.

"Lucky man, other people are not so fortunate."

"No," observed Otterburn with a huge sigh, having finished a very decent meal, "it's so difficult to procure the genuine article."

"Hark to the cynic of one-and-twenty," cried Gartney.

"It's your example, Eustace," observed Guy, producing a cigarette case, "but don't for Heaven's sake start a philosophical discussion on happiness. Why should the children of the king go mourning when the soothing weed is within reach? Have a cigarette, Macjean."

"Thank you--if Lady Errington----"

"Oh, I do not mind. Guy has habituated me to smoke. Light your cigarettes by all means."