“In an hour’s time, gentlemen,” pursued Sir Jasper, “we shall write ‘finis’ to a more or less interesting incident, and I beg of you, in that hour, to remember my prophecy—­that it would be a glorious day, later.”

Mr. Chester filled a glass, and crossing to the speaker, tendered it to him without a word; as for Selby, he stood stolidly enough, his hands thrust truculently beneath his coat-tails, frowning at me.

“Come,” said Mr. Chester persuasively, “Just a bracer!” Sir Jasper shook his head, but next moment reached out a white, unsteady hand, and raised the brandy to his lips; yet as he drank, I saw the spirit slop over, and trickle from his chin.

“Thanks, Chester,” said he, returning the empty glass; “is it time we started yet?”

“It’s just half-past seven,” answered Mr. Chester, consulting his watch, “and I’m rather hazy as to the exact place.”

“Deepdene Wood,” said Sir Jasper dreamily.

“You know the place?”

“Oh, yes!”

“Then we may as well start, if you are ready?”

“Yes, it will be cool and fresh, outside.”

“Settle the bill, Selby, we’ll walk on slowly,” said Mr. Chester, and, with a last glance at the mirror, he slipped his arm within Sir Jasper’s, and they went out together.

Mr. Selby meanwhile rang for the bill, frowning at me all the time.

“What the devil are you staring at?” he demanded suddenly, in a loud, bullying tone.

“If you are pleased to refer to me, sir,” said I, “I would say that my eyes were given for use, and that having used them upon you, I have long since arrived at the conclusion that I don’t like you.”

“Ah?” said he, frowning fiercer than ever.

“Yes,” said I, “though whether it is your person, your manner, or your voice that displeases me most, I am unable to say.”

“An impertinent young jackanapes!” said he; “damnation, I think I’ll pull your nose!”

“Why, you may try, and welcome, sir,” said I; “though I should advise you not, for should you make the attempt I should be compelled to throw you out of the window.”

At this moment the pretty maid appeared, and tendered him the bill with a curtesy.  He glanced at it, tossed some money upon the table, and turned to stare at me again.

“If ever I meet you again—­” he began.

“You’d probably know me,” I put in.

“Without a doubt,” he answered, putting on his hat and buttoning his befrogged surtout; “and should you,” he continued, drawing on his gloves, “should you stare at me with those damned, impertinent fishes’ eyes of yours, I should, most certainly, pull your nose for you—­on the spot, sir.”

“And I should as certainly throw you out of the window!” I nodded.

“An impertinent young jackanapes!” said he again, and went out, banging the door behind him.  Glancing from the window, I saw him catch up with the other two, and all three walk on together down the road.  Sir Jasper was in the middle, and I noticed that his hands were still deep in his pockets.  Now, as I watched their forms getting smaller and smaller in the distance, there grew upon me a feeling that he who walked between would nevermore come walking back.