em his back. He had no
objection to presenting the Lady of Peacock Alley to his men friends,
but just at this time it was not convenient. The adventure was rather
unusual, and the lady altogether attractive and somewhat fascinating; he
chose, for the present at least, to go it alone. Moreover, they were to
meet on a matter of her business and by her appointment.

He had suggested the _dansant_ that he might study her. And the more he
saw of her, the more he was struck by her unaffected naturalness and
apparent sincerity. Not a word, not even a suggestion while they were
dancing, of the matter of the cab; it was as though she were just an old
friend. And her dancing was a delight--such a delight, indeed, that he
was reluctant to have it end. Somehow, one gets to know quickly one's
partner in the _dansant_.

"This is perfectly entrancing, Mr. Harleston," she said presently, "but
don't you think we would better hunt a retired corner and discuss other
matters?"

"If you will dine with me when we've discussed them," he replied.

"It's only six o'clock," she smiled; "will the discussion take so long?"

"It depends somewhat on when you wish to dine, and somewhat on the
character of the discussion."

Her smile grew into a quiet, rippling laugh.

"Come along," she answered. "I've found a secluded nook in the big
red-room downstairs. It's cozy and nice, and I've had the maid reserve
it for me. Afterwards," with a sharp stab of her brown eyes, "I'll
decide whether I'll dine with you."

The place was as she had said, cozy and nice and secluded; and he put
her into it--where the subdued light would fall on her face.

"Very good, sir," she smiled; "I am not afraid of the light."

"Nor would I be if I were you," he replied.

She shrugged her shoulders ever so slightly.

"Why fence?" she asked.

"Why, indeed?" he replied.

"And why, may I ask, did you meet me here this afternoon?"

"Curiosity--later, satisfaction and appreciation."

"And why do you think I wanted to meet you?"

"Heaven knows!" he replied.

"Suppose, Mr. Harleston, we resume the conversation just where we left
off last night. Your last remark then was that I had a chance to get the
articles, but no one else had a chance. I'm here now for my chance."

"And that chance depends on a number of contingencies," he replied:
"whether I have the desired articles; whether you have the title to
them, or the right of possession to them; whether they concern p