The man looked surprised.
"No, sir; certainly not, sir."
"Oh! Don't sit up; we may be late to-night. And we don't want anything more, except—yes, bring another couple of sodas."
"Yes, sir."
He brought them and vanished. A moment later they heard the front door of the flat close. The butler was married and slept out of the house. Valentine had no servant sleeping in the flat. He preferred to be alone at night.
CHAPTER III
EPISODE OF THE FIRST SITTING
"Now, then," said Valentine, "let us be absurd and try this sitting.
Shall we clear this little table?"
"Yes. It's just the right size. It might do for three people, but certainly not for more."
"There! Now, then."