averick introduced him to Zoe.

"I am sure I have seen you at the Universal," he declared. "You're
in the front row, aren't you? I have seen you in that clever little
step-dance and song in the second act."

She nodded, evidently pleased.

"Does it seem clever to you?" she asked wistfully. "You see, we
are all so tired of it."

"I think it is ripping," Bellamy declared. "I shall have the
pleasure again directly," he added, with a bow.

The two men crossed the room.

"What the dickens does Mademoiselle Idiale want with me?" Laverick
demanded. "Does she know that I am a poor stockbroker, struggling
against hard times?"

Bellamy shrugged his shoulders.

"She isn't the sort to care who or what you are," he answered. "And
as for the rest, I suppose she could buy any of us up if she wanted
to. Her interest in you is rather a curious one. No time to explain
it now. She'll tell you."

Louise smiled as he paused before her. She was certainly exquisitely
beautiful. Her dress, her carriage, her delicate hands, even her
voice, were all perfection. She gave him the tips of her fingers as
Bellamy pronounced his name.

"It is so kind of you," she said, "to come and speak to me. And
indeed you will laugh when I tell you why I thought that I would
like to say one word with you."

Laverick bowed.

"I am thankful, Mademoiselle," he replied, "for anything which
procures me such a pleasure."

She smiled.

"Ah! you, too, are gallant," she said. "But indeed, then, I fear
you will not be flattered when I tell you why I was so interested.
I read all your newspapers. I read of that terrible murder in
Crooked Friars' Alley only a few days ago,--is not that how you
call the place?"

Laverick was suddenly grave. What was this that was coming?

"One of the reports," she continued, "says that the man was a
foreigner. The maker's name upon his clothes was Austrian. I,
too, come from that part of Europe--if not from Austria, from a
country very near--and I am always interested in my country-people.
A few moments ago I asked my friend Mr. Bellamy, 'Where is this
Crooked Friars' Alley?' Just then he bowed to you, and he answered
me, 'It is in the city. It is within a yard or two of the offices
of the gentleman to whom I just have said good-evening.' So I
looked across at you and I thought that it was strange."

Laverick scarcely knew what to say.

"It was a terrible affair," he admitted, "and, as Mr. Bellamy