With a sigh of unutterable relief, I picked up the ravenous little
caterpillar, placed him on the packet, and turned to go. And didn't.
It is a very sickening fact I have now to record. But to a scientist all
facts are sacred, sickening or otherwise.
For what I caught a glimpse of, just outside the door in the hallway,
was Jones kissing Mildred Case. And being shyly indemnified for his
trouble with a gentle return in kind. Both his arms were around her
waist; both her hands rested upon his shoulders; and, as I looked--but
let it pass!--let it pass.
Deliberately I fished in my pocket, found my packet of cigarettes,
lighted one.
_Tobacco diffugiunt mordaces curae et laetificat cor hominis!_