room was free from central obstruction. Had the Colonel
expected to meet him at the archbishop's and anticipated his acceptance
of a possible invitation?

Two chairs stood on either side of the grate. Between them was an
octagon on which were cigars, glasses and two cognac bottles. The
Colonel's valet came in and lit the tapers in the chandelier and woke
up the fire.... Maurice was convinced that the Colonel had arranged the
room thus for his especial benefit, and he regretted his eagerness for
adventure.

"Francois," said Beauvais, throwing his shako and pelisse on the lounge
and motioning to Maurice to do likewise, "let no one disturb us."

The valet bowed and noiselessly retired. The two men sat down without
speaking. Beauvais passed the cigars. Maurice selected one, lit it, and
blew rings at the Chinese mandarin which leered down at him from the
mantel.

Several minutes marched into the past.

"Maurice Carewe," said the Colonel, as one who mused.

"It is very droll," said Maurice.

"I can not say that it strikes me as droll, though I am not deficient in
the sense of humor."

"'Twould be a pity if you were; you would miss so much. Through humor
philosophy reaches its culmination; humor is the foundation upon which
the palace of reason erects itself. The two are inseparable."

"How came you to be mixed up in this affair, which is no concern of
yours?"

"That question is respectfully referred to Madame the duchess. I was
thrown into it, head foremost, bound hand and foot. It was a clever
stroke, though eventually it will embarrass her."

"You may give me the certificates," said Beauvais.

Maurice contemplated him serenely. "Impossible," with a fillip at the
end of his cigar.

"You refuse?" coldly.

"I do not refuse. Simply, I haven't got them."

"What!" The Colonel half sprang from his chair.

His astonishment was genuine; Maurice saw that it was, and he reflected.
Madame nor Fitzgerald had been dishonest with him.

"No. Some one has forestalled me."

"Are you lying to me?" menacingly.

"And if I were?" coolly.

Beauvais measured his antagonist, his eyes hard and contemptuous.

"I repeat," said Maurice, "the situation is exceedingly droll. I am not
afraid of you, not a bit. I am not a man to be intimidated. You might
have inferred as much by my willingness to accompany you here. I am
alone with you."

"It is true that you are alone with me," in a voice, which, though it
did not alarm Mauri