“As I am not interested in either him or his affairs⁠—”

“How truly amiable you are today! But I think you’ll be interested in this, ’tis so vastly mysterious.”

“Indeed? What is the matter?”

“Just what I want to know!”

Tracy sighed wearily.

“Pray come to the point, Andrew⁠—if point there be. I have no time to waste.”

“Lord! Busy? Working? God ha’ mercy!” The young rake stretched his legs out before him and cast his eyes down their shapeliness. Then he stiffened and sat up, staring at one white-stockinged ankle.

“Now, damn and curse it! where did that come from?” he expostulated mildly.