At this point in the narrative Mr. Arthur bethought him of a letter he must write, and begged to be excused for a time—a piece of rare good sense on his part, considering how much the story had to do with himself.
"During his stay we had been a good deal together. I had been his guide to all the famous spots in the neighborhood, and he had been chatty and bright, and amused me greatly. We had a little chat in the conservatory that evening of the reception, and I told him I was sorry to have him leave.
"'Thank you,' he said. 'I would rather hear you say that than anything you could have said, except one.'
"'What is that, pray?' I asked.
"'That you would like to see me here again.'
"'Oh,' I replied, 'I never give invitations: papa does that. Of course he'll be glad to see you again.'
"'And you?'
"'Why, since you insist upon my saying it, I shall be glad too: you amuse me greatly.'
"'So might a tight-rope performer or a performing dog, I suppose?'
"'No: I don't care for such amusements. I like to hear the talk of bright men, and you strike me as a very bright man.'