He bowed in his usual courtly way, he always infused a subtle air of deference in his manner towards women which impressed most of them greatly in his favour. He addressed her in his pleasant, cultivated voice. She was to find out later that he was one of the most unscrupulous blackguards who ever preyed upon a helpless woman, but certainly nothing in the man’s exterior gave any indication of the blackness of the soul beneath. “We have met for many years at various houses, Mrs. Morrice, it is strange that I should only just now recognize you as the young lady I used to encounter in her walks in that quaint village of Brinkstone, when you were Miss Larchester.” She was very agitated inwardly, she knew at once that in recalling himself to her recollection, he was actuated by a sinister motive which would presently be revealed. If he were the gentleman the world supposed him to be, he would have kept locked in his breast the secret which he had acquired through Alma Buckley’s indiscretion. A little strained conversation followed, then he plainly showed his hand. “I should very much like a little private conversation with you, Mrs. Morrice. I wonder where we could have it? For the present, it might not be very prudent for me to call at Deanery Street.” She felt sick and faint as she listened to those words. It was impossible to ignore the threat that underlay them. Should she refuse to grant him this interview and present a bold front? Alas, if he had made up his mind to use her secret to his own advantage, she was helpless, she dare not defy him. She made an appointment to meet him at Miss Buckley’s flat. Alma, burning with indignation against the man whom she had taken for a gentleman, on whom she had set her affections, was present. He was polite and suave as ever, but behind that suavity and politeness lay an inexorable purpose, to victimize this unfortunate woman to the fullest extent. He turned first to Alma with a bland smile. “I do not think you are aware that for some little time I have been cultivating the acquaintance of that very charming boy, Jack Graham; he has been in my company several times unknown to you. I have taken a great interest in him; he is a sharp, intelligent young fellow, and I may say without vanity that he has evinced a strong liking for me. I have made up my mind to relieve you of any further concern regarding his welfare, by adopting him myself.” The two women were struck speechless by this bold declaration; they waited for further disclosures. One thing they were both sure of, that whatever his course of conduct might be, it would not be dictated by philanthropic motives.