whence he could keep watch. She gave an order,
and presently there was brought to her a glass of wine with a sandwich.

Hilliard called for a bottle of ale: he was consumed with thirst.

"Dare I approach her?" he asked himself. "Is it possible? And, if
possible, is it any use?"

The difficulty was to explain his recognition of her. But for that, he
might justify himself in addressing her.

She had finished her wine and was looking round. Her glance fell upon
him, and for a moment rested. With a courage not his own, Hilliard
rose, advanced, and respectfully doffed his hat.

"Miss Madeley----"

The note was half interrogative, but his voice failed before he could
add another syllable. Eve drew herself up, rigid in the alarm of female
instinct.

"I am a stranger to you," Hilliard managed to say. "But I come from
Dudley; I know some of your friends----"

His hurried words fell into coherence. At the name "Dudley" Eve's
features relaxed.

"Was it you who called at my lodgings the day before yesterday?"

"I did. Your address was given me by Mrs. Brewer, in whose house I have
lived for a long time. She wished me to call and to give you a kind
message--to say how glad they would be to hear from you----"

"But you _didn't_ leave the message."

The smile put Hilliard at his ease, it was so gentle and friendly.

"I wasn't able to come at the time I mentioned. I should have called
to-morrow."

"But how is it that you knew me? I think," she added, without waiting
for a reply, "that I have seen you somewhere. But I can't remember
where."

"Perhaps in the train this evening?"

"Yes so it was You knew me then?"

"I thought I did, for I happened to come out from my lodgings at the
moment you were leaving yours, just opposite, and we walked almost
together to Gower Street station. I must explain that I have taken
rooms in Gower Place. I didn't like to speak to you in the street; but
now that I have again chanced to see you----"

"I still don't understand," said Eve, who was speaking with the most
perfect ease of manner. "I am not the only person living in that house.
Why should you take it for granted that I was Miss Madeley?"

Hilliard had not ventured to seat himself; he stood before her, head
respectfully bent.

"At Mrs. Brewer's I saw your portrait."

Her eyes fell.

"My portrait. You really could recognise me from that?"

"Oh, readily! Will you allow me to sit down?"

"Of course. I shall be glad to h