tion (which reflected his own importance) by a little afterpiece of philosophical comment.
“A gentleman like you, sir,” he went on, affably, “would never notice it, but it comes in my line to observe what an immense amount of trouble is made by that combination—I mean the stage, diamonds, and light-headed women who aren’t satisfied with good homes. I tell you, sir, a man these days and nights wants to know what his women folks are up to.”
The policeman smiled a good-night, and returned to the side of his charge, who had been intently watching Lorison’s face during the conversation, no doubt for some indication of his intention to render succor. Now, at the failure of the sign, and at the movement made to continue the ignominious progress, she abandoned hope, and addressed him thus, pointedly.
“You damn chalk-faced quitter! You was
