I flushed and the Countess shrieked with laughter. It wouldn't have been so bad if the nurse had known her place. If there is one thing in this world that I hate with fervour, it is an ill-mannered, poorly-trained servant. A grinning nurse-maid is the worst of all. I may be super-sensitive and crotchety about such things, but I can see no excuse for keeping a servant--especially a nurse-maid--who laughs at everything that's said by her superiors, even though the quip may be no more side-splitting than a two syllabled "da-da." "Ha, ha!" I laughed bravely. "She--she evidently thinks I look like the Count. He is very handsome, you say." "Oh, that isn't it," cried the Countess, taking Rosemary in her arms and directing me to a spot on her rosy cheek. "Kiss right there, Mr. Smart. There! Wasn't it a nice kiss, honey-bunch? If you are a very, very nice little girl the kind gentleman will kiss you on the other cheek some day. She calls every man she meets da-da," explained the radiant young mother. "She's awfully European in her habits, you see. You need not feel flattered. She calls Conrad and Rudolph and Max da-da, and this morning in the back window she applied the same handsome compliment to your Mr. Poopendyke." "Oh," said I, rather more crestfallen than relieved. "Would you like to hold her, Mr. Smart? She's such a darling to hold." "No--no, thank you," I cried, backing off. "Oh, you will come to it, never fear," she said gaily, as she restored Rosemary to the nurse's arms. "Won't he, Blake?" "He will, my lady," said Blake with conviction. I noticed this time that Blake's smile wasn't half bad. At that instant Jinko, the chow, pushed the door open with his black nose and strolled imposingly into the room. He proceeded to treat me in the most cavalier fashion by bristling and growling. The Countess opened her eyes very wide. "Dear me," she sighed, "you must be very like the Count, after all. Jinko never growls at any one but him." * * * * * At dinner that evening I asked Poopendyke point blank if he could call to mind a marriage in New York society that might fit the principals in this puzzling case. He hemmed and hawed and appeared to be greatly confused. "Really, sir, I--I--really, I--" "You make it a point to read all of the society news," I explained; "and you are a great hand for remembering names and faces. Think hard." "As a matter of fact, Mr. Smart, I _do_ remember this particular marriage very clearly," said he, looking down at his plate. "You do?" I shouted eagerly. The new footman stared. "Splendid! Tell me, who is she--or was she?" My secretary looked me steadily in the eye. "I'm sorry, sir, but--but I can't do it. I promised her this morning I wouldn't let it be dragged out of me with red hot tongs." CHAPTER VII I RECEIVE VISITORS She was indeed attended by faithful slaves. * * * * * * * *