The artist bowed, and shook Ronald by the hand, but said nothing. He was a man of few words, and so left his wife to do most of the talking--a task to which she was fully equal. "Now then," said Mrs. Taunton, when the introduction had been effected, "Mr. Foster, you can talk art, law, and scandal to my husband, while Mr. Monteith escorts me through the room in order to improve his mind." Ronald, of course, was delighted, and they strolled off, leaving the lawyer in deep conversation with the artist over a divorce case which was then being published _in extenso_ in the newspapers. What charming conversationalists some women are! They are as happy in their talk as in their letter-writing; and Mrs. Taunton was a most delightful cicerone; with all Foster's knowledge and wit, but without his cynicism. Cynicism, like garlic, should only be used in moderation, and Ronald found Mrs. Taunton's bright, rapid talk rather a relief after the pessimistic views of his friend, the lawyer. The lady seemed to know everyone--stopped every now and then to talk to people, and, after leaving them, kept up a running fire of conversation about their oddities, which amused the Australian very much. "How you do seize on people's weak points!" he said, laughing. "Of course," she replied, "I'm a woman, and have the instinct of the sex." "Likewise the charms." "Mr. Monteith, I cannot allow you to pay me any more compliments to-night; but you may call to-morrow at four, if you like, and I shall be prepared for your gallantry." "I should like it above all things," he said, seriously. "Why, how grave your face is! I shall have to call you the knight of the rueful countenance. Is anything the matter?" "I don't know; there might be." "What an ambiguous reply!" she said, glancing at him curiously. "Are you a spiritualist? Have you had an intimation that all is not right in the other worlds?" Her flippancy displeased him, knowing the importance of the matter in question. "Mrs. Taunton," he said, gravely, looking down at the little figure from his tall height, "I was introduced to you for a purpose, and I am going to take a liberty." Mrs. Taunton looked a little frightened, and wondered if her good-looking cavalier were mad. He guessed her thoughts. "Don't be afraid, I am in my senses," "Then he must be in love with me," thought Mrs. Taunton, in dismay at this eccentric young man; but his next remark caused her to alter her mind. "You have a brother?" he said, abruptly. "Yes," she replied, rather puzzled, "I have one brother. I think he is out in Australia. Why," a sudden light breaking in on her, "have you met him?" "I think so." "What is he doing?" she asked, eagerly. Ronald parried the question. "I don't know," he replied; "but I'll tell you all about him to-morrow." "Is he ill, or in trouble?" she said, quickly. "Please tell me, because I am very--very fond of him." "Mrs. Taunton," he said, quietly, "I am come here for a purpose."