"I have called," I said, "to ask if you can tell me whether your brother, Mr Murray, is in London. I heard that he and Miss Ella have gone back to Wichenford, but I think that they may possibly be in town just now. I have only to-day returned from abroad, and do not want to journey down to Worcestershire if they are in London." She regarded me for a few moments with a puzzled air, then said in a hard, haughty voice: "Your name is somehow familiar to me. Am I right in thinking that you were the Mr Leaf whom my niece knew two or three years ago?" "I am," I replied. "I have met Miss Murray again, and our friendship has been resumed." "Then if that is so, sir," replied the old lady, glaring at me, "I have no information whatever to give you concerning her. I wish you good-afternoon." And the sour old lady touched the bell. "Well, madam," I said, in rising anger, "I believed that I was calling upon a lady, but it seems that I am mistaken. I fail to see any reason for this treatment. You surely can tell me if your brother is in town?" "I refuse to say anything. My brother's affairs are no concern of mine, neither are yours. There was quite sufficient unpleasantness on the last occasion when you were running after Ella. It seems you intend to resume your tactics." "On the contrary, I hear that your niece is engaged to be married to a gentleman named Gordon-Wright." "That is so," she answered, thawing slightly and readjusting her glasses. "They are to be married very soon, I believe. The wedding was fixed for Thursday week, but it has been postponed for a short time. My brother is much gratified at the engagement. Mr Gordon-Wright is such a nice gentleman, and just fitted to be her husband. He dined here a week ago, but has now gone abroad." "And you found him charming?" I asked, though I fear that my voice betrayed my sarcasm. "Most charming. They appear to be an extremely happy couple." "And because you think I have an intention to come between them, Mrs Tremayne, you refuse to answer a simple question!" "I am not bound to answer any question put to me by a stranger," was her haughty reply. "Neither am I bound to return civility for incivility," I said. "I congratulate this Mr Gordon-Wright upon his choice, and at the same time will say that when we meet again, madam, you will perhaps be a trifle less insulting." "Perhaps," she said; and as the butler was standing at the open door I was compelled to bow coldly and follow him out. As he opened the front door I halted a moment and said, as though I had forgotten to make inquiry of his mistress:-- "Miss Ella is staying here--is she not?" "Yes, sir," was the man's prompt reply. "She came up from the country yesterday." I thanked the man, descended the steps, and walked along Porchester Terrace wondering how best to act. Of love there is very little in the world, but many things take its likeness.