Alpha Book

But what he was now doing was for a young girl who
trusted him with all the fervour and faith of her heart and soul; and he
could spare himself in nowise if, in his turn, he responded heart and
soul to the solemn appeal.
Mr. Ruthven, it appeared, was at home and would receive Captain Selwyn
in his own apartment.
Which he did--after Selwyn had been seated for twenty minutes--strolling
in clad only in silken lounging clothes, and belting about his waist, as
he entered, the sash of a kimona, stiff with gold.
His greeting was a pallid stare; but, as Selwyn made no motion to rise,
he lounged over to a couch and, half reclining among the cushions, shot
an insolent glance at Selwyn, then yawned and examined the bangles on
his wrist.
After a moment Selwyn said: "Mr. Ruthven, you are no doubt surprised
that I am here--"
"I'm not surprised if it's my wife you've come to see," drawled Ruthven.
"If I'm the object of your visit, I confess to some surprise--as much as
the visit is worth, and no more.


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