Page:Anthony Hope - The Dolly Dialogues.djvu/149



a very curious dream the other night. In fact, I dreamt that I was dead. I passed through a green baize door and found myself in a small square room. Opposite me was another door, inscribed 'Elysian Fields,' and in front of it, at a large table with a raised ledge, sat Rhadamanthus. As I entered I saw a graceful figure vanish through the door opposite.

'It's no use trying to deceive me,' I observed. 'That was Mrs. Hilary, I think; if you don't mind, I'll join her.'

'I'm afraid I must trouble you to take a seat for a few moments, Mr. Carter,' said Rhadamanthus, 'while I run over your little account.'

'Any formalities which are usual,' I murmured politely, as I sat down.

Rhadamanthus turned over the leaves of a large book.

'Carter—Samuel Travers, isn't it?' he asked.

'Yes. For goodness' sake don't confuse me with Vincent Carter. He only paid five shillings in the pound.'

'Your case presents some peculiar features, Mr. Carter,' said Rhadamanthus. 'I hope I am 137