“Well?” Tavernake interjected.

The professor’s fingers gripped his arm.

“You’ve known Beatrice longer—­you don’t know Elizabeth very well, but let me tell you this.  Elizabeth is a very wonderful person.  I know something about character, I know something about those hidden powers which men and women possess—­strange powers which no one can understand, powers which drag a man to a woman’s feet, or which make him shiver when he passes another even in a crowd.  You see, these things are a science with me, Mr. Tavernake, but I don’t pretend to understand everything.  All I know is that Elizabeth is one of those people who can just do what she likes with men.  I am her father and I am her slave.  I tell myself that I would rather be with Beatrice, and I am as powerless to go as though I were bound with chains.  You are a young ignorant man, Mr. Tavernake, you know nothing of life, and I will give you a word of warning.  It is better for you that you keep away from over there.”

He raised one hand and pointed across the street towards the Milan Court; with the other he once more gripped Tavernake’s arm.

“Why she should take the trouble even to speak with you for a moment, I do not know,” the professor continued, “but she does.  It has pleased her to talk with you—­why I can’t imagine—­only if I were you I would get away while there is yet time.  She is my daughter but she has no heart, no pity.  I saw her smile at you.  I am sorry always for the man she smiles upon like that.  Goodnight, Mr. Tavernake!”

The professor crossed the street.  Tavernake watched him until he was out of sight.  Then he felt an arm thrust through his.

“Why, this is what I call luck!” a familiar voice exclaimed.  “Mr. Tavernake, you’re the very man I was looking for!”

CHAPTER XVIII

A MIDNIGHT ADVENTURE

Tavernake was not sociably inclined and took no pains to conceal the fact.  Mr. Pritchard, however, was not easily to be shaken off.

“So you’ve been palling up to the old man, eh?” he remarked, in friendly fashion.

“I came across the professor unexpectedly,” Tavernake answered, coldly.  “What do you want with me, please?  I am on my way home.”

Pritchard laughed softly to himself.

“Say, there’s something about you Britishers I can’t help admiring!” he declared.  “You are downright, aren’t you?”

“I suppose you think we are too clumsy to be anything else,” Tavernake replied.  “This is my ’bus coming.  Good-night!”

Pritchard’s hand, however, tightened upon his companion’s arm.

“Look here, young man,” he said, “don’t you be foolish.  I’m a valuable acquaintance for you, if you only realized it.  Come along across the street with me.  My club is on the Terrace, just below.  Stroll along there with me and I’ll tell you something about the professor, if you like.”