Was it real or imaginary? He drew deep,
panting breaths.
"Dick's not here," said Viviette's voice from the terrace. "He has
forgotten."
"Really, my dear, I don't very much care," Austin replied. "Where you
are, I am happy."
"I wish that telegram would come. It's quite time. Don't you think we
had better tell Dick to-day?"
"No, no. To-morrow."
"After all, what is the good of hiding it from him?"
A laugh from Austin. "You think we ought to put him out of his misery
at once?"
It was real! Those two were talking in flesh and blood on the terrace.
They were talking of him. His misery! That had but one meaning. And the
devil laughed! Unconsciously his grip tightened on the butt of the
pistol. He listened.
"Yes," said Viviette. "It would be kinder."
"I stick to the birthday idea. It would be more dramatic."
"The damned villain!" Dick muttered.
"I want to-day," said Viviette.
"And I want to-morrow."
"You speak as if you were my lord and master," said Viviette, in the
mocking tones Dick knew so well.
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