as heroic a lie as even a lady of the baroness's
profession ever uttered; but at that time I was not master of the facts
of the case, and the little woman spoke with so much dignity and nature
that she imposed upon me. I was really half ashamed of having suggested
to her a course which only a minute before seemed quite natural.

"Madame," I said, "the position is a peculiar one, and it cannot be
encountered by ordinary means. I accept without reserve the declaration
you offer of your belief in Miss Pleyel's innocence. But then, you see,
unhappily, I know the whole story, and I am forced, however unwillingly,
to offer you an ultimatum."

"Pray let me hear it," she answered, in a tone of sarcasm.

"It is briefly this," I said. "It is impossible that the Baroness Bonnar
should retain her association with Miss Pleyel and with Lady Rollinson
at the same time."

"You guarantee that?" asked the baroness. "May I ask what means you
propose to adopt?"

"If I am compelled," I answered, "but only in case I am compelled, I
shall take the one possible, straightforward course, and shall tell to
Lady Rollinson the story I have told to you."

The baroness tried another tack.

"I have often heard it said," she began, bitterly, "that it is only
women who have no mercy upon women. Do you tell me, Captain Fyffe, that
you can have the heart to hound this poor creature down, even if all
you charge against her were true, if all her life until now had been one
huge mistake? Is she to have no chance of amendment? Do not suppose,"
she cried, "that your story convinces me for a moment! I am looking at
your side alone, that is all."

"Pardon me," I felt constrained to answer, "I see no sign of any
wish for amendment. The only defence yet offered lies in a gross and
groundless accusation against myself. When I came here I had no idea
that Miss Pleyel meant to be dangerous to me. I learn from you the
course on which she has decided."

"She!" cried the baroness. "She has decided upon nothing. Perhaps I have
been led too readily to leap at a conclusion. She has made no accusation
against you, poor thing; but I confess that I thought she was striving
to defend you. She was terribly agitated by the chance sight she caught
of you in the street last night. She has been weeping ever since. She
gave me your letters with some broken words, which perhaps I may have
misconstrued. If I have done you wrong, I beg your pardon. If I have
done you wrong,