Viviette alone in her maidenly splendour, he could have fought
it down. But the vision of another man entering, light-hearted and
debonair, into those precincts maddened him, let loose primitive
instincts of hatred and revenge, and robbed him of all interest in the
toys with which men used to slay each other centuries ago.
Austin, being nearest the door, opened it for the ladies to pass out.
Viviette, going out last, looked up at him with one of her
witch's glances.
"Don't be very long," she said,
Before Austin could resume his seat Dick leaped up.
"Austin, look here; I've something to say to you."
"Well?" said Austin.
Dick pulled out a cigar, bit the end off, and finding that he had
ripped the outer skin, threw it angrily into the fireplace.
"My dear old boy," said Austin, "what in the name of all that's neurotic
is the matter?"
"I've something to say to you," Dick repeated. "Something that concerns
myself, my life. I must throw myself on your generosity."
Austin, his head full of philanthropy, thrust his hands into his pockets
and smiled indulgently on Dick.
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