it is too soon for
that,' and then I turned the conversation by saying:

'I have some news from your friend, the brunette.'

'My friend! Mr. Masters!'

'Pardon me; your satellite, then. She was revolving near you the day
before yesterday.' At this point the door opened and a voice said:

'Miss Ross, the laundress is here about your washing.'

Miss Ross rose with alacrity, a benevolent smile upon her sweet face.

'Mr. Masters,' she said, 'thee must save thy story or tell it twice
over, for I must beg thee to excuse me now. I can't send this poor
woman away, and I ought not to make her wait.'

'It's one of Aunt Ann's protegees,' explained Miss Jenrys, 'and she
has come by appointment.'

Mentally thankful for this interruption, I assured Miss Ross that my
story should wait, and when she had left us alone I turned at once to
Miss Jenrys.

'I am glad of this opportunity,' I began at once,' for I have
something to tell you which I prefer to make known to you first,
although I should have told my story, even in your aunt's presence, if
necessary, before leaving to-day.'

And as directly as possible I told of my acquaintance with the
handsome guard.

Beginning with her encounter with the Turkish palanquin-bearers, I
described my interview with the guard, repeated his words, his
questions concerning her welfare, his statement that she was not a
stranger to him, and then, with her interest and her curiosity well
aroused, I described him.

'I wonder who it can be?' she had murmured before I began my
description, and I kept a secret watch upon her features, while I
said:

'He is a tall young fellow, and very straight and square-shouldered,
though somewhat slender. He is blond, with close-cropped hair that is
quite light, almost golden, and inclined to curl where it has attained
an inch of growth. He wears a moustache that is but little darker than
his hair, and is kept close-trimmed. He has a broad, full forehead;
honest, open blue eyes, not pale blue, but a fine deep colour, and
they meet one frankly and fearlessly. His mouth is really too handsome
for a man, but his chin is firm enough to counterbalance that. His
manners are fine, and he has evidently been reared a gentleman. I
chanced to hear him sing last night, and he has a wonderfully high
tenor voice--an unusual voice; clear and sweet, and soft in the
highest notes.'

Before I had finished my description, I saw clearly that she
recognised the picture. He