A few minutes later he pressed the electric bell of No. 61 Raleigh Mansions. As he listened to the slight jar of the indicator within, he smiled at the apparent fatuity of his mission. He had one card, perhaps a weak one, to play, it was true, but he hoped that circumstances might prevent this from being tabled too early in the game. The door opened, and a youthful housemaid stood before him, the simple wonder in her eyes showing that such visitors were rare. "Is Mrs. Hillmer at home?" he said. "I'll see sir, if you give me your name." "Surely you know whether or not she is at home?" The girl stammered and blushed at this unexpected query. "Well, sir," she said, "my mistress is in, but I do not know if she can receive any one. She is dressed to go out." "Ah! that's better. Now, take her my card, and say that while I will not detain her, my business is very important." This with a sweet smile that put the flurried maid entirely at her ease. The girl withdrew, after hesitating for a moment to decide the important question 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 general appointments, for the entrance hall usually reveals much of the characteristics of the inmates. Here was every evidence of refinement and wealth. All the display had not been lavished on the drawing-room. As he waited, conscious of the fact that his colloquy with the servant had been overheard, a lady crossed from one room to the other at the end of the passage. Her smart but simple dress, and the quick scrutiny she gave him, as though discovering his presence accidentally, caused him to believe--rightly, as it transpired--that this was the maid-companion described 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 the flat. The girl returned. "My mistress will see you in a few minutes," she said. "Will you kindly step into the dining-room?" He followed her, sat down in a position where the strong glare of the electric lamps would fall on any one who stood opposite, and waited developments. The furniture was solid and appropriate, the carpet rich, and the pictures, engravings for the most part, excellent. This pleasant room, warmed by a cheerful fire, impressed Bruce as a place much used by the household. Books and work-baskets were scattered about, and a piano, littered with music, filled a corner. There were a few photographs of persons and places, but he had not time to examine these before the lady of the house entered.