Thus the days passed, and the nights passed, the one merged
imperceptibly in the other. At the end of the first week, two sovereigns
appeared upon the breakfast tray which Said brought to Soames' room;
and, some little time later, Said reappeared with his bottles and
paraphernalia to renew the ex-butler's make-up. As he was leaving the
room:
"Ahu hina--G'nap'lis effendi!" he muttered, and went out as Mr.
Gianapolis entered.
At sight of the Greek, Soames realized, in one emotional moment, how
really lonely he had been and how in his inmost heart he longed for a
sight of the sun, for a breath of unpolluted air, for a glimpse of gray,
homely London.
All the old radiance had returned to Gianapolis; his eyes were crossed
in an amiable smile.
"My dear Soames!" he cried, greeting the really delighted man. "How well
your new complexion suits you! Sit down, Soames, sit down, and let us
talk."
Soames placed a chair for Gianapolis, and seated himself upon the bed,
twirling his thumbs in the manner which was his when under the influence
of excitement.
"Now, Soames," continued Gianapolis--"I mean Lucas!--my anticipations,
which I mentioned to you on the night of--the accident... you remember?"
"Yes," said Soames rapidly, "yes."
"Well, they have been realized.
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