"Ah! that's better. Now, take her my card, and say that while I will notdetain her, my business is very important." This with a sweet smile thatput the flurried maid entirely at her ease.

The girl withdrew, after hesitating for a moment to decide the importantquestion as to whether or not she should close the door in his face.

Another smile, and she did not.

He was thus free to note the luxurious and tasteful air of the generalappointments, for the entrance hall usually reveals much of thecharacteristics of the inmates. Here was every evidence of refinementand wealth. All the display had not been lavished on the drawing-room.

As he waited, conscious of the fact that his colloquy with the servanthad been overheard, a lady crossed from one room to the other at the endof the passage. Her smart but simple dress, and the quick scrutiny shegave him, as though discovering his presence accidentally, caused himto believe--rightly, as it transpired--that this was the maid-companiondescribed by his assistant.

Not only had she obviously made her appearance in order to look at him,but the housemaid had carried his message to a different section of theflat.

The girl returned. "My mistress will see you in a few minutes," shesaid. "Will you kindly step into the dining-room?"

He followed her, sat down in a position where the strong glare of theelectric lamps would fall on anyone who stood opposite, and waiteddevelopments.

The furniture was solid and appropriate, the carpet rich, and thepictures, engravings for the most part, excellent. This pleasant room,warmed by a cheerful fire, impressed Bruce as a place much used by thehousehold. Books and work-baskets were scattered about, and a piano,littered with music, filled a corner. There were a few photographs ofpersons and places, but he had not time to examine these before the ladyof the house entered.

Her appearance, for some reason inexplicable to the barrister himself,took him by surprise. She was tall, graceful, extremely good-looking,and dressed in a style of quiet elegance. Just the sort of woman onewould expect to find in such a well-appointed abode, yet more refined inmanner than Bruce, from his knowledge of the world, thought he wouldmeet, judging by the hasty inferences drawn from his subordinate'sreport. She was self-possessed, too. With calm tone, and slightlyelevated eyebrows, 

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