"I was. What became of you last night? We expected you at Prince Street."
"I made another engagement."
"You will be there to-night, of course? I owe you your revenge, you know."
"Which means," said Charley, with a laugh, that sounded strange and bitter from him, "you will get me some thirty or forty dollars more in your debt!"
"Talking of debt," said Captain Cavendish, in an indifferent matter-of-fact tone, "could you oblige me with a trifle on account—say twenty pounds?"
Charley silently produced his pocketbook, and handed over the twenty he had received from Nathalie a few days before. The nonchalant young officer pocketed it as coolly as if it had been twenty pence.
"Thanks! One often needs a trifle of this sort on an occasion. Is this your house? Who is that playing? Not your sister?"
They had halted in front of the cottage, and could hear the sound of the piano from within.
"It is Miss Rose, I presume," said Charley, in the same cold voice; "will you come in?"
"Not now. You will be up at Prince Street for certain then to-night?"