The study into which she was ushered was larger than she had expected and the sloping roof gave it an odd but pleasant character. She saw at a glance that the furniture was old, and probably valuable. The writing-table, from which he had evidently just risen, for the morning newspaper lay open at the top, was undoubtedly Buhl, and the deep arm-chair before the fire was the only modern article in the room. Etchings covered the soberly painted walls, and in one alcove was a well-filled bookcase. “Mr. Dorn, I have called on a very serious errand,” she said. “I am sorry to hear that,” was his reply as he pushed a chair forward. “I won’t sit down, thank you. Last night you sent me a box of chocolates. I can understand that your intentions were well meant, though I thought I had made it very clear that I do not wish to know you, or to improve an acquaintance which began only yesterday. I am very grateful to you for all you did,” she went on a little incoherently, “but----” she paused. “But----?” he suggested. “Your conduct is abominable!” she flamed. “The gift of chocolates was an impertinence, but to follow that up by breaking into my lodgings was criminal! I’ve come to tell you that, unless you cease your persecution, I shall complain to the police.” He did not answer. Standing by the table, he fiddled with a long poignard which was evidently used as a letter-opener. “You say I broke into your house--what makes you think that?” “Because I recognised you,” she said emphatically. “You came and took away the box--though I could have saved you the trouble. I intended returning it in the morning.” To her amazement, he did not deny his presence, but, on the contrary, gave confirmation of his action. “If I had known you were going to return it this morning I should certainly not have called in the night,” he said with a calmness which took her breath away. “I have been guilty of conduct which may seem to you to be unpardonable, but for which there is a very simple explanation. Until a quarter to two this morning I had no idea that you had received the chocolates.” He walked across the room to a cabinet, pulled open one drawer and took out the painted box. “These are the chocolates, are they not?” She was so taken back by his audacity that she could not speak. He put back the box carefully in the cabinet and closed the door. “I underrated your intelligence, Miss Reddle,” he said. “I have done that all too frequently in my life--taken too light a view of woman’s genius.” “I’m afraid I don’t understand you,” she said helplessly. “Only I want to tell you----” “You want to tell me that if this act of mine is repeated, you will notify the police.” He took the words from her mouth. “And I think you would be wise. When do you take up your new position?”