"Then will you promise me not to go with Phillips this evening?"
"Ho!" said Pliny, affecting astonishment. "I thought you were a tremendous man of your word?"
"There are circumstances under which I am not; if I promise to commit suicide, I am justified in saner moments in changing my mind."
"I didn't exactly promise either," said Pliny, thoughtfully. "I had just brains enough left for that. Well, Mallery, I'll be hanged if I haven't a mind to promise you; I'm sure I've no desire to go, it's only that confounded way I have of blundering into engagements."
"I'm waiting," said Theodore, gravely.
"Well, I won't go."
"Thank you;" this time he smiled, and added:
"How about the other matter, Pliny?"
"That is different;" said Pliny, restlessly. "Not so easily decided on. I don't more than half understand you, and yet—yes, I know theoretically what you want of me. Theodore, I'll think of it."
A little quickly checked sigh escaped Theodore; he must bide his time, but a great point had been gained. There came a tapping at the chamber door. Theodore went forward and opened it, and Pliny, listening, heard a clear, smoothly modulated voice ask: