"A very laudable intent. But my dear Mr. Barnes, I have told you that you may call upon me at any time, and ask me any questions you please. Why did you not frankly ask me to show you the buttons?" "I should have done so. I do so now." "They are in the vest. You may examine them if you desire it." Mr. Barnes took up the vest, and was puzzled to find six buttons, three of Juliet and three of Romeo. Still he was satisfied, for they were identical with the one in his pocket. It occurred to him that this man who was so careful in his precautions, might have lied as to the number in the set, and have said six when in reality there were seven. A few questions about the buttons seemed opportune. "These are very beautiful, Mr. Mitchel, and unique too. I have never heard of cameo buttons before. I think you said they were made expressly for you." Mr. Mitchel dropped into a cushioned rocker before he replied: "These buttons were made for me, and they are exquisite specimens of the graver's art. Cameo buttons, however, are not so uncommon as you suppose, though they are more usually worn by women, and, in fact, it was a woman's idea to have these cut. I should not have----" "By Jove!" said Mr. Barnes, "the Romeo buttons are copies from your likeness, and good portraits too." "Ah! You have noticed that, have you?" "Yes, and the Juliets are copies of that picture." Mr. Barnes was getting excited, for if these buttons were portraits, and the one in his pocket was that of the woman whose likeness stood on the easel, it was very evident that they were connected. Mr. Mitchel eyed him keenly. "Mr. Barnes, you are disturbed. What is it?" "I am not disturbed." "You are, and it is the sight of those buttons which has caused it. Now tell me your reason for coming here this morning." Mr. Barnes thought the time had come to strike a deciding blow. "Mr. Mitchel, first answer one question, and think well before you reply. How many buttons were made for this set?" "Seven," answered Mr. Mitchel, so promptly that Mr. Barnes could only repeat, amazed: "Seven? But you said six only a moment ago!" "I know what I said. I never forget any statement that I make, and all my statements are accurate. I said that six is the entire set. Now you ask me what was the original number, and I reply seven. Is that clear?" "Then the other button has been lost?" "Not at all. I know where it is." "Then what do you mean by saying that the set now is only six?" "Excuse me, Mr. Barnes, if I decline to answer that question. I have replied now to several since I asked you why you came here this morning."