The stronger will prevailed, and they entered the doors of the Imperial, where, of course, Dyke was hailed at once by a dozen men.
“Hallo, Charlie! Been seedy?”
“Good gracious, Dyke! have you had influenza? I’ve missed you for months, now I come to think of it.”
“I haven’t seen your wife for quite a time. How is she?”
In the multitude of questions there was safety.
Sir Charles answered vaguely, and a chance arrival created a diversion by announcing that the favorite had broken down in his preparation for the Grand National.
Later in the afternoon, the two found themselves ensconced in a quiet corner of the smoking-room. Bruce seized the opportunity.
“You told me,” he said, “that Mensmore and you were at school together?”
“Did I?” said the baronet.