"I had seen you in the distance many times, and desired to become personally acquainted with you." "For what reason?" She hesitated, and I thought I detected a faint blush upon her cheek. "I--well, I wished to number you among my friends." "Then I presume that the story regarding your husband is also a fiction?" I said, surprised that I had previously formed such an entirely wrong impression of her. "No, not exactly," she responded. "I hope to have the pleasure of introducing you to him some day ere long." "I shall of course be delighted," I answered in a tone which I fear did not convey any desire on my part to be honoured by the baronet's acquaintance. "But, having deceived me as you have to-day, I confess that my confidence is somewhat shaken." She laughed and raised her hand to her hair. "Ah! it is always best to commence by being enemies and to end by being friends." "You intend, then, that we shall be friends?" "Of course. That is the reason why I asked you to call on me." "But where have you seen me?" "Oh, in lots of places," she answered vaguely. Her attitude was very strange. Could it be possible that she had seen me, and, becoming attracted by my personal appearance, had found out who and what I was? Was it possible that she intended that I should be her lover? The thought flashed across my mind as she sat there smiling upon me, displaying an even row of pearly teeth, while her face was radiant with triumph and happiness. I had promised friendship to this woman, who had so cleverly formed my acquaintance. "Tell me one place where we have met," I asked, for, to my knowledge, I had never set eyes upon her before that morning. "You were having supper at the _Savoy_ with your friend, Doctor Raymond, one night three weeks ago," she answered. "On the following evening you both dined together at the exhibition at Earl's Court." "And you saw us at both places?" I exclaimed, surprised. "Yes," she laughed. "You see how well acquainted I have been with your recent movements." "I had no idea that any lady had been taking an interest in my unimportant self," I laughed. Yes, it was true, this woman was seeking to fascinate me by those wiles so purely feminine. But I laughed within myself, for I was fortunately proof against it all. The incident was decidedly amusing. Of a verity the doctor is bound to steel his heart against many feminine blandishments. Ere the words had left my lips, however, our conversation was interrupted by a woman's voice outside the room, crying merrily-- "Nora! Nora! Where are you? We shall be so awfully late!" And an instant later a young girl, dressed to go out, burst gaily into the room. She drew back with a quick word of apology when she recognised that her ladyship was not alone, but at sight of her I sat there dumb-stricken and rigid as a statue.