Then in an instant the room, the fire, everything vanished; and in their place, filling his whole consciousness—that face! He knew it perfectly now, exactly when, where, all about it; no room for mistake or doubt any more! He started upright on the couch; his whole world seemed suddenly illumined by a blinding flash of light. In another instant he was aware that somebody had turned on the electric light, and of a face staring quizzically into his. He heard a voice.
"Hello, you all alone in here, Wimbourne? You must be fond of the dark!—What are you looking so all-fired pleased about, I wonder?"
"Oh—Laffan! How are you?... Nothing much; I just thought of something, that's all."
"Congratulations on your thoughts. I'm looking for some one to dine with; I suppose you've eaten? It's late—"
"Whew—nearly eight! No, I've not eaten; shall we go up together?"
They started to leave the room, but James stopped abruptly in the doorway, suddenly practical, master of himself, of the whole situation.
"I say, Laffan, you're a lawyer, aren't you?"
"I attempt to be."
"Well, I want to consult you, professionally, if you'll let me. Consider me a client! Now, what I want to know is this; suppose a—"
"Oh, rot, man—not on an empty stomach! Come along upstairs; you can tell me all about it while you eat!"