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 “Have you any cigarettes, Charles?"

“Yes, certainly.”

“Throw me up two.”

“Here is my case. Can you catch!”

A seal-skin case came with a soft thud on to the floor. Ida opened it. It was full.

“What are these?” she asked.

“Egyptians.”

“What are some other brands?"

"Oh, Richmond Gems, and Turkish, and Cambridge. But why?”

"Never mind!” She nodded to him and closed the window. “We must remember all those, Ciara,” said she. “We must learn to talk about such things. Mrs, Westmacott knows all about the brands of cigarettes. Has your rum come?”

"Yes, dear. It is here.”

“And I have my stout. Come along up to my room now. This smell is too abominable. But we must be ready for him when he comes back. If we sit at the window we shall see him coming down the road.”

The fresh morning air, and the genial company of the Admiral had caused the Doctor to forget his troubles, and he came back about midday im an excellent humor. As he opened the hail door the vile smell of chemicals which had spoilt his breakfast met him with a redoubied virulence. He threw open the hall window, entered the dining-room, and stood aghast at the sight which met his eyes.