our bows very low, receives the hand,
kissing the tips of the taper fingers, is seated in an elegantly
embroidered fauteuil opposite her ladyship.

After the usual pleasantries had passed, Sir Thomas commenced by way of
explanation:

"Your ladyship will pardon this detention, from the fact of my being
absent when your note arrived. Business demanding my presence at the
admiralty office I was unavoidably detained for some days. On arriving
yesterday I immediately telegraphed the fact to Lord Bereford, but hope
that the present misfortune will not seriously interfere with any of
your ladyship's plans."

Assuming an air of much importance, her ladyship began; "When I
addressed you, it was merely in the form of a note, not wishing to
convey a subject of such importance to paper, deeming that it demanded
your personal attention. I fully exonerate you by the ready response as
shown at this instance."

This remark Sir Thomas politely acknowledged with a deep bow, while a
shade of uneasiness was visible upon his features.

With another assuming air to gain, if possible, a more wise and legal
manner, her ladyship thus resumed: "Sir Thomas, you must certainly be
aware of my motives in thus requesting an interview. You cannot be
insensible to the fact that it entirely concerns the Lady Rosamond."

Here Sir Thomas became somewhat agitated, but her ladyship continued:
"Strictly speaking, it concerns both families, as how can it apply to
the former without a direct application to Gerald Bereford, in which
case is involved that of his connexions."

Sir Thomas felt the necessity of waiving those points of nicety, but
knowing too well that any interference would entail a more definite
investigation, listened with utmost composure in the hope of instant
relief.

With the stem gravity of a learned judge, ready to pronounce sentence
upon the culprit arraigned, her ladyship in graver tone continued: "I
cannot but admit that the matter has given me very great annoyance. I
again refer to Lady Rosamond."

The affair, at each mention of the latter, assumed a graver importance,
while Sir Thomas inwardly struggled to maintain a studied demeanor as
becoming the grave occasion.

"You are possibly not aware of the position in which her ladyship is
being placed by this temporary separation from her family?" ventured
Lady Bereford, with full interrogative force that at length afforded an
opportunity to Sir Thomas.

"The matter," returne