“Promises?”

“Those you made last night.”

Stafford stared, as if trying to comprehend.

“Promises!  Oh, yes—­of course!”

“If you didn’t really mean them—­” went on Fanny.

“But I did,” he interrupted hastily.  “Most certainly I did,” he stammered.  He stopped for a moment as if trying to recollect and then went on:  “I meant everything I said—­but I don’t quite remember what it was.”

Virginia shrugged her shoulders.  Caustically she said: 

“Part of it was a car which you promised to send to-day as a present for my little niece.”

Stafford’s face brightened.  If liberality could make amends for the night before he was willing to do anything.

“Of course!” he exclaimed quickly.  “She’s been looking rather pale and I wanted her to get out in the open more.  Fine!  I’ll arrange about it before I leave!”

“And you raised James’ salary fifty dollars a week,” said Fanny timidly.

“Naturally!  Naturally!” he exclaimed, “to pay for the chauffeur and the upkeep.  If I increase Jimmie’s expenses, it’s only fair that I should fix his salary so that he can meet them.”

His sister-in-law went up to him.  Eagerly she said: 

“Then you did mean it really?  It wasn’t only a—­a—­I mean you didn’t do it just because you were—­you were—­well—­you did?”

He nodded and with a smile he replied: 

“I made up my mind about it early in the week, but I told you a little sooner than I expected—­that’s all.”

Fanny’s face was radiant with happiness.

“Oh, Robert,” she cried, “it’s just lovely of you!  You don’t know how much we shall enjoy it.”

“Is that all I promised?” he laughed.  “I didn’t agree to make Jimmie superintendent or anything?”

“No, that was all.  It was enough, too.”

Stafford turned to his wife.

“Dearie?”

“Yes,” she answered coldly.

“Do you mind ’phoning for Oku to bring some ice-water?”

“Not at all.”

Going to the ’phone on the wall, she took off the receiver and spoke into it.

“Hello!  Have Oku bring some ice-water.”

“I’ve got a terrible headache,” he went on.  “The man who drinks too much is a fool—­” Looking towards Virginia, who stood silently by, he added: 

“You don’t have to say anything—­I know you agree with me.  And quite right too!  I’m ashamed of myself.”

Fanny discreetly went towards the door.

“I—­I think I’ll go,” she said timidly.

“Don’t go,” he pleaded.  “Please stay awhile and give me your moral support.”  Glancing at his wife, he added ruefully:  “I feel that I’m going to need it.”

Fanny halted and at that moment there was a knock at the door.

“Come in,” said Virginia.

Oku entered with a pitcher oL ice water and glasses.  Salaaming low, he said: