"Yes; why not? But how could you tell I came from Leeds, Mrs. Shelmerdine?"
"By your trousers."
Horace and Johnny roared long and loud at this brilliant sally. The natural insight of those famous comedians had taught them already that if Toddles had a weakness, it was an undue pride in his trousers, which of course the young man was quite entitled to have, since they were the work of Mr. F-ster of London and Oxford.
"Now, don't let her pull your leg, old man," said Philip, who, as usual a little behind in the uptake, had only just begun his roar. "She'll rag the life out of you if you'll let her."
Without further preface or apology, and adjournment was made to the billiard saloon, which was down a very long corridor. En route, Mr. Wilbraham, whose name in athletic circles was Weary William, because he was never in a hurry, confided to Toddles that she was every bit as nice off the stage as she was on it.
To which Toddles, in whose cognomen a meaning has yet to be discovered, rejoined that "He was always a far-seein' old swine."
Mary liked a light cue, and used it in a manner which did not suggest the novice. By what means she had gained her skill, it would be best, perhaps, not to in-
