y. Mr. Castlemaine also saw that the stamp of
the firm was upon his letter-case.

"I feel honoured in welcoming you to our neighbourhood," said John
Castlemaine. "Years ago I did business with you. I little thought then
that I should meet with a partner in your famous firm under such
circumstances."

"The world is small," said Ricordo quietly. "For the last year I have
taken but little active part in affairs; and I have come to England
because of personal matters."

"And I am delighted to see you, signore--delighted. More than that, I
cannot consent for you to leave Vale Linden soon. I hope you will come
up to my house, Signor Ricordo. I am now a man of leisure, and shall
look forward to seeing much of you. Olive, do you know that the great
company of which Signor Ricordo is a partner is well known to me? It is
very fortunate you met him yesterday. Yes, signore, I can take no
refusal. I must insist on your coming up to Vale Linden to-night, for a
smoke and a chat."

For a moment there was a look almost like anxiety in the stranger's
eyes, but he spoke in his quiet, easy way.

"I feel greatly honoured," he said; "but we in the East have many--what
you call conventions. Before I enter into the delights of your house, I
must prove that I am what my card indicates."

"Oh, nonsense, nonsense," said John Castlemaine heartily. "No one could
carry such papers as you carry without----"

"Excuse me, Mr. Castlemaine, if I persist," said the stranger. "If not
to satisfy you, to satisfy myself." He drew a small piece of peculiar
parchment from his case, and handed it to John Castlemaine. "My people
always desire it, when we come into contact with the heads of great
houses," he added.

Mr. Castlemaine took the parchment almost reverently and read that Abdul
Ricordo was a responsible partner of the firm of Tripoli, Fezzan and
Mourzouck, and the document was signed by the firm.

"Of course I do not need this, signore," said John Castlemaine;
"nevertheless, I thank you for letting me see this. It shows me the
methods of your firm, and from that standpoint alone this document is
exceedingly interesting."

He turned again to his daughter.

"Will you not help me to persuade Signor Ricordo to walk up to the house
with us, Olive?" he said. "It is quite early yet, and, wonder of
wonders, we have no guests at present."

Ricordo turned to Olive, who expressed her delight at the thought of his
accompanying them.

"Then I can do