It will readily be imagined that it was in no amiable state of mind I
left the house. Distraction was what I wanted--distraction from
thoughts of the sad events which had just transpired, and which
threatened to wreck all the hopes of wedded happiness I had founded upon
Vera's supposed love for me. It was a bitter experience of the vanity
of human pleasures, and was one more proof of the falsity and hollowness
of her whom I had loved more than life itself.
Determined to leave the Dene and rid myself of these remorseful
thoughts, I jammed on my hat and rushed from the house.
While walking down the drive the postman passed me, bearing the second
delivery of letters. The sight of him recalled to my mind the fact
that, in the midst of the morning's excitement, the usual batch of
correspondence had escaped my notice. Turning hastily, I made for the
study, where a number of letters were awaiting me.
There was only one communication which possessed for me any interest.
It was from my old friend Bob Nugent, and a thrill of pleasure passed
through me as I recognised the familiar scrawl--Bob was never a neat
writer.
The letter was as follows: "Dear Old Frank,--I am writing in great
haste, and at the usual high pressure, to give you the welcome news that
Teddy Rivers has turned up after his New Zealand experiences, as fresh
as paint. He hasn't much time to spare; so if you want to have one of
the old dinners at the Junior Garrick, my boy, and can tear yourself
away from the little wife for a few hours, why--come soon.--Yours ever,
Bob Nugent."
"Tear yourself away from the little wife!" I repeated to myself with a
groan. Bob was quite right; Vera had truly charmed me, laying me under
the spell of her beauty and the vivacity of her manner--for what! With
a savage stamp of my foot I threw the letter upon the fire.
A moment's reflection convinced me that my best course would be to run
up to town and meet my friends. As a matter of fact, the opportunity
was just what I needed. It would afford a little excitement to drown
the weary hours, and cause the time to pass more quickly.