Page 124 (1/1)

She turned, with her key in the door, and there he stood, hat in hand

"Have I the pleasure of speaking to Lady Laura Bethell?"

There was a pleasant brisk ring about his voice that inclined her rather favorably towards hi Did you want to speak to me? Yes, I am Lady Laura Bethell"

"I was told you were at church, madam, and that you were not at hoht May I ask?"

"Only a few ive entleman; there was no doubt of that

"Would not toed today"

He had his card-case ready, and without answering her at once, he ca at all to her

"Will not toain

"To of you, Lady Laura It is on an extremely important matter"

She still hesitated an instant; then she pushed the door open and went in

"Please come in," she said

She was so taken aback by the sudden situation that she forgot co-rooht upstairs; and it was not till she was actually within the door, with the old gentleman close on her heels, that she saw that, with the exception of three or four chairs about the fire and the table set out near the hearthrug, the rooot," she said; "but will youhere this evening"

She led the way to the fire, and at first did not notice that he was not following her When she turned round she saw the old gentleman, with his air of antique politeness co about him with a very peculiar expression She also noticed, to her annoyance, that the cabinet was already in place in the little ante-room and that his eyes almost immediately rested upon it Yet there was no look of wonder in his face; rather it was such a look as athe scene of a well-known cri

"So it is here--" he said in quite a low voice

Then he came across the room towards her

II

For an instant his bearded face looked so strangely at her that she half moved towards the bell Then he sesture