"Thank you," she said, when she heard the lock click and the bolts
shoot back, "now will you lock it again?"

I did so.

"Now please put the key in your pocket, and take care of it for me. I
give you full authority to open that safe again in case of necessity."

"What necessity?" I asked.

"You will discover that in due course," she answered.

This was about the last thing I should have expected her to ask, but
nevertheless I did as she told me and put the key in my pocket.

"Please notice how I close it again," was her next request.

She pushed back the displaced square of the wall paper pattern, which
was simply the door of a cupboard. It closed with a snap and fitted so
exactly into the pattern of the paper that it was impossible to detect
it.

Then with a glance towards me to see that I was paying attention, she
touched a carved rose on the frame of the over-mantel on the opposite
side to that which had caused the looking-glass to move, and at once
the latter slowly slid down again into its place.

I stood gazing at her as this was accomplished, and she noted the look
of inquiry on my face.

"There is only one thing now I have to ask you," she said, "and then I
will detain you no longer. Will you oblige me by coming to see me here
at five o'clock to-morrow?"

I considered for a moment or two, and then recollected that there was
nothing in my engagements for the next day to prevent my complying with
the old lady's request. My life for the last week had been occupied in
taking the baths and the waters at regular intervals, with the daily
diversion of the Pump Room concert at three.

"Yes," I answered, "I shall be very pleased to come and see you again
at five to-morrow."

Although up to now I looked upon her proceedings as simply the whims of
an eccentric old lady, yet I felt some considerable interest in them.

"Then let me fill your glass again with liqueur?" she suggested.
Alluring as the offer was I declined it.

I buttoned up my overcoat and prepared to depart, accepting, however,
the offer of another cigarette.

The old lady insisted upon accompanying me to the door, and went on in
front with a candle, despite my remonstrances, to show me the way
upstairs.

She had one foot on the stair when she stopped.

"Do you mind telling me your name?" she asked.

I handed her my card, and she put up her glasses.

"'William Anstruther,'" she read. "That is a coincidence." "I had
nearly forg