“Naturally, being very anxious to carry this election, I questioned her further,” said Gordon. “She would reveal nothing more definite, however, unless I would call on her and examine the letters.” “Do you mean, Gordon, that she did not then reveal her identity?” Nick inquired. “Oh, no, not that,” Gordon said quickly. “I told her that I would not consider such a proposition from any unknown woman. She then drew her veil aside and I recognized her.” “Matilda Lancey?” “Yes.” “You say you recognized her,” said Nick. “How long have you known her?” “I never spoke to her before in my life,” Gordon earnestly assured him. “I long have known her by name and reputation, however, and I at once decided that I would not consider her proposal.” “Quite right, I’m sure.” “I told her so, Nick, but she insisted upon my taking her address and her telephone number, lest I should change my mind,” Gordon went on. “She said that I could communicate with her, in that case, and that was all during that meeting.” “Well, what more?” “I did not then intend to give the matter another thought,” said Gordon. “I could not keep it out of my mind, however, for I am having a hard political fight and seeking every possible lever with which to swing the election my way.” “In short, Gordon, you finally decided to call on Tilly Lancey and read the Madison letters,” said Nick, interrupting. “That’s the main point. I did, Nick, and I tried to get her by telephone yesterday morning,” bowed Gordon. “I was unable to do so, however, and I then wrote a line to her and dropped it in the mail when I went out to lunch.” “Did you afterward hear from her or try to telephone to her?” “No. I took it for granted that she would receive my note and that I would find her at home at the time mentioned.” “Why did you set so late an hour?” “Because I had a political appointment which I knew would detain me until nearly eleven o’clock.” “Enough of that, then,” said Nick. “It covers that part of the ground. At what time did you arrive at her flat?” “It was after eleven, nearly half past.” “You found her at home?” “Yes.” “Alone?” “Yes, so far as I knew.” “What followed?” “I had removed my--but I am getting ahead of my story,” Gordon broke off. “Knowing the reputation of the woman, Nick, and that my face has become a very familiar one because of the political placards about town, and apprehending that I might be recognized, if seen going there, and incur adverse and unjust criticism, I resolved to visit her in disguise.” “I see,” said Nick, without further comments. “As I was saying,” Gordon continued, “I removed my disguise in the vestibule, and Miss Lancey admitted me a moment later. She invited me into the room back of the front parlor.” “I know,” Nick nodded. “What then occurred?”