He was not much wiser after this conversation than before; but he was more determined to know. That same evening he made another excuse, and left his wife at Lady Blanchard's ball while he drove to the opera-house. The opera was almost over, but he saw the manager, to whom he briefly stated his errand. "I believe," he said, "that in Madame Vanira I recognize an old friend. Will you introduce me to her?" "I am sorry to say that I cannot," was the courteous reply. "I promised madame not to make any introductions to her." "Will you take my card to her? If she is the lady I take her to be she will send word whether she wishes to see me or not." The manager complied with his request. He soon returned. "Madame Vanira wishes me to say that she has not the pleasure of your lordship's acquaintance, and that she is compelled to decline any introduction." "Then it is not Leone," he said to himself, and a chill of disappointment came over him. His heart had been beating quickly and warmly, yet he persuaded himself it was only that he was so pleased to know she was all right and safe from the frowns of the world. It was not Leone, but she was so much like Leone that he felt he must go to see her again. "The opera to-night?" said Lady Marion, in her sweetest tones. "Why, my dear Lance, you were there three nights since." "Yes, I know, but I thought it pleased you, Marion. We will ask my mother to go with us. It is the 'Crown Diamonds,' a very favorite opera of hers." "Will Madame Vanira sing?" asked Lady Chandos, and her husband quietly answered: "Yes." He was anxious for Lady Lanswell to go, to see if she would recognize Leone, or if any likeness would strike her. As his chief wish seemed to be to give pleasure to his mother, and he expressed no desire to see the beautiful singer again, Lady Chandos was very amiable. She sent a kind little note to the countess, saying what pleasure it would give them if she would go to the opera with them, and Lady Lanswell was only too pleased. The earl had grown tired of such things and never cared to go out in the evening. How anxiously Lord Chandos watched his mother's face. He saw delight, surprise and wonder, but no recognition--except once, and then the magnificent arms of the actress were raised in denunciation. Then something of bewilderment came over Lady Lanswell's face, and she turned to her son. "Lance," she said, "Madame Vanira reminds me of some one, and I cannot think who it is." "Have you seen her before, mother, do you think?" he asked. "No, I think not; but she reminds me of some one, I cannot think whom. Her gestures are more familiar to me than her face." Evidently the thought of Leone never entered her mind; and Lord Chandos was more puzzled than ever. The countess was charmed.