"Any amount," I answered. "Tell me how you got on."
Sonia nodded to the door and telegraphed me a question with her eyes.
"I'd better tell you——" I began.
"Everyone was as kind as kind could be," he said, pulling in a chair to the table and placing his hat carefully within reach. "Everyone tumbled over everyone else to shake hands with me.... I say, have you started a dog? I thought I touched something warm and soft. It's all right.... Of course, the voices are the very devil at first. Your uncle piloted me in...." He stopped suddenly and faced round to every corner of the room with head thrown back and dilated nostrils. "George, is there anyone here?"
Sonia rose from her chair.
"I am, David."
"I was trying to explain——" I began.
"I didn't think you'd be back so soon," she added.
O'Rane pushed back his chair.
"Why should you apologize?" he asked, with a laugh. "I'm afraid I interrupted you without knowing it."