As though it were an occurrence of everyday life, Neil cut the end from his cigar, stuck it in his mouth, and was about to apply it to the flame, when Pyne put out his hand and laid it upon that of the boy.
"Don't do that!" he said gently.
Lowell did not need to affect the surprise that came to his eyes.
"Why?" he demanded.
"Because it will make you sick!"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that you have never smoked a cigar in your life, and that it will nauseate you."
For a moment there was an uncomfortable silence, then Neil laughed shortly.
"You are correct," he said, his face flushing. "I never did! Mr. Pryor was taking me to task about it to-day, and I determined to learn. I did not dream that I should handle it so awkwardly. Will you excuse me, then, if I take a cigarette instead?"
"Certainly; but I don't think I feel inclined to smoke, if you will excuse me altogether. The chatter of those girls has upset me. It has brought back memories which I thought I had conquered. Neil Lowell, there is a question that I should like to ask you. What is it that you know of Miss Evelyn Chandler? And what relation are you to Leonie Cuyler?"