"Prout—Miss Hylda Prout. She comes here at 11 a.m. and again at 3 p.m."
"I see. Then I may regard that matter as settled?"
Again there was silence for a time. Oddly enough, Rupert was conscious of a distinct feeling of relief.
"Very well," he said at last. "I shall obey you to the letter."
"Thank you. I am sure you are acting for the best."
Winter, whose eyes had noted every detail of the room while Rupert's back was turned, rose as if his mission were accomplished.
"Won't you have another cigar?" said Rupert.
"Well, yes. It is a sin to smoke these cigars so early in the day——"
"Let me send you a hundred."
"Oh, no. I am very much obliged, but——"