shrugged my shoulders in protest against the word “die.”

“If you prefer it, I wish to live in my own place. Will you accompany me as companion? I am convinced that we should suit each other — that I should derive benefit from your skill and pleasure from your society, while you — you would tolerate the whims and eccentricities of my middle age. We need not discuss terms; you would merely name your fee.”

There was, as a matter of fact, no reason in the world why I should have agreed to this suggestion of Alresca’s. As he himself had said, we were strangers, and I was under no obligation to him of any kind.

Yet at once I felt an impulse to accept his proposal. Whence that impulse sprang I cannot say.