The Colonel paused, and Mr. Hotchkiss regarded him with increased impatience. The Colonel, however, continued, with unchanged deliberation: “It concerns--er--er--a young lady--a beautiful, high-souled creature, sir, who, apart from her personal loveliness--er--er--I may say is of one of the first families of Missouri, and--er--not remotely connected by marriage with one of--er--er--my boyhood's dearest friends.” The latter, I grieve to say, was a pure invention of the Colonel's--an oratorical addition to the scanty information he had obtained the previous day. “The young lady,” he continued blandly, “enjoys the further distinction of being the object of such attention from you as would make this interview--really--a confidential matter--er--er among friends and--er--er--relations in present and future. I need not say that the lady I refer to is Miss Zaidee Juno Hooker, only daughter of Almira Ann Hooker, relict of Jefferson Brown Hooker, formerly of Boone County, Kentucky, and latterly of--er--Pike County, Missouri.” The sallow, ascetic hue of Mr. Hotchkiss's face had passed through a livid and then a greenish shade, and finally settled into a sullen red. “What's all this about?” he demanded roughly. The least touch of belligerent fire came into Starbottle's eye, but his bland courtesy did not change. “I believe,” he said politely, “I have made myself clear as between--er--gentlemen, though perhaps not as clear as I should to--er--er--jury.” Mr. Hotchkiss was apparently struck with some significance in the lawyer's reply. “I don't know,” he said, in a lower and more cautious voice, “what you mean by what you call 'my attentions' to--any one--or how it concerns you. I have not exchanged half a dozen words with--the person you name--have never written her a line--nor even called at her house.” He rose with an assumption of ease, pulled down his waistcoat, buttoned his coat, and took up his hat. The Colonel did not move. “I believe I have already indicated my meaning in what I have called 'your attentions,'” said the Colonel blandly, “and given you my 'concern' for speaking as--er--er--mutual friend. As to YOUR statement of your relations with Miss Hooker, I may state that it is fully corroborated by the statement of the young lady herself in this very office yesterday.” “Then what does this impertinent nonsense mean? Why am I summoned here?” demanded Hotchkiss furiously. “Because,” said the Colonel deliberately, “that statement is infamously--yes, damnably to your discredit, sir!”