“To the opera.” Garland swung round from the roller shades he had lowered. “God above! isn’t it ghastly! Think of it! To the opera--with a heart of lead and blood like ice in one’s veins. But I had to go, have to keep up appearances, or the truth might leak out. On the dead, Carter, I think I am booked for the bug house. Do tell me what you have----” “Patience,” Nick interrupted. “Sit down and be calm. When I talk with a man I want him to have a level head on his shoulders. That’s right; light a cigarette. It will steady you--temporarily. Where did you go after the opera?” “To supper with a party of friends.” “Including whom?” “Senator Barclay and his daughter, the Baron Esterveldt and his wife, with Miss Warren, whom I mentioned to you this afternoon. Captain Casper Dillon, an ex-army officer, joined us in our box and accompanied us to supper. He is a friend of the Esterveldts.” “Captain Dillon,” Nick observed, blowing a wreath of smoke toward the ceiling. “Ex-army officer, did you say?” “Yes.” “Are you well acquainted with him?” “Quite well. I meet him frequently at the home of the Esterveldts, when I go there to see Miss Warren. She is their niece, you know, and Captain Dillon is an intimate friend of the family.” “Miss Warren is their niece?” “Yes.” “How did that happen? Hers is an English name.” “Her father was an English naval officer.” “Ah!” “He married a sister of the Baron Esterveldt. Both have been dead for several years, and Verona since has lived with the Esterveldts.” “H’m, I see.” “They have an extensive estate in Bohemia and a residence in Berlin. They have been in Washington nearly a year, however, for Verona is very fond of America and of Miss Barclay. They met abroad more than a year ago and became very friendly. The Baron Esterveldt entertained the Barclays at that time, and Senator Barclay is now doing all in his power to return the compliment.” “Naturally,” said Nick oddly. “It was through him that I met Miss Warren and--well, I fell over head and ears in love with her.” Garland enthused for a moment. “She’s a wonderful girl, Carter, a marvel of beauty, wit, and brilliancy. You ought to meet her. To see her is to worship her. She’s the most fascinating girl----” “Where do the Esterveldts reside?” Nick interposed. “They rent a fine place near the Dupont Circle, that of the late General Dexter.” Nick mentally noted the location, then said a bit bluntly, throwing his half-smoked cigar into a cuspidor: “That, I infer, is all you know about these people?” Garland stared at him. “Know about them?” said he. “What more need one know? Why do you speak like that? Why have you delayed to question me about them? Tell me, Carter, I implore you, what have you learned about----” Nick checked him with a gesture.