"Good-by, Folly," he said. "I hope you'll come again when you're feeling more like yourself."
He closed the door and then rang for Nelton. Nelton came.
"Bring me the iodine," said Leighton, as with his handkerchief he stanched the blood from a bad scratch on his right wrist.
"Heavens! Glen," cried Hélène, "how did you get that?
"Didn't you see me jump when she said 'such'?" asked Leighton. Then they sat down, and Hélène laughed for a long time, while Leighton tried not to. "Oh," he said at last, "I wish we didn't have to think of Lew!"
"You may ask for my advice now," said Hélène, a little breathlessly.
"I've got it ready."
"Thank God!" said Leighton. "What is it?"
"It's only a plan to gain time, after all," said Hélène; "but that's what you want—time for Lew to get his puppy eyes opened. You can elaborate the idea. I'll just give you the skeleton."
She did, and, soon after, Leighton saw her into a cab. He went back to the flat and waited. He knew that Lewis would not be gone long. He would be too keen to hear his father's and Lady Derl's verdict.
Leighton had just settled down to a book and a second cigar when Lewis came into the room like a breeze that had only a moment to stay.