"Perhaps our bark is better than their bite," Ladds remarked.
"A man who has unlimited credit may talk as he pleases," said Mr. Cassilis dogmatically.
The two solemn young men murmured assent.
"And he always did say that he was going to have luck. He carried about a Golden Butterfly in a box."
"How deeply interesting!" replied the lady who had read the book. "And is that other story true, that you found an English traveller living all alone in a deserted city?"
"Quite true."
"Really. And who was it? Anybody one has met?"
"I do not know whether you have ever met him. His name is Lawrence Colquhoun."
Mrs. Cassilis flushed suddenly, and then her pale face became paler.
"Lawrence Colquhoun, formerly of ours," said Ladds, looking at her.