CHAPTER IV
WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN
JEAN BAPTISTE was so elated over being invited to call early to see Miss Irene Grey, that he went back to the bar where his acquaintances lingered, ordered drinks for all, and imbibed so freely that when he reached the depot, he found the train had left him. His disappointment was keen, and he was provoked with himself. However, since it was so, he went to a booth, called her up, and advised her of the fact.
"Now wasn't that careless of you," she complained. "I am sure you are very careless."
"I wouldn't have missed it for anything in the world," he told her. "Indeed, I was so delighted over the prospects of seeing you, after these many years, and I indulged so freely that I lost the sense of time."
"How is that—did you say that you drank?"
"Well, yes, I do," he admitted frankly; "but not in a dangerous sense. I do not recall having been drunk but once in my life, and trust that I will never have occasion to recall a second occurrence."
"Oh," she echoed. "I am relieved. I don't trust a drinker, and the fact that you were left made me suspect you."
"At least I can reassure you on that score. I am proud to say that I have the strength of my convictions."
"I am pleased to hear that. A man has a poor chance to succeed in the world otherwise."