igh life. I have heard her
talk of this man's splendid exploits, by the hour. She is a walking
catalogue in all aristocratic sensations. So this is your great man?
Well, if he is in the city, we must have him. Mr. Lamotte shall bring
his man, or send him; there should be work for two. As for me, I intend
to secure the services of Mr. Neil J. Bathurst."

"He may not be within reach; he is constantly moving, and always busy."

"No matter. I tell you I want to see this man."

"That being the case, I may as well present myself."

They start at the sound of a strange voice near them. There is a
rustling of leaves, and from one of the great oak's extended branches, a
form swings downward, and drops lightly upon the grass, just before the
place where they stand.

"Who are you?" demands Doctor Heath, sternly, as the eavesdropper
approaches. "And what does this impertinence mean?"

[Illustration: "Who are you?"]

Before they can think, the man approaches the balcony, puts his hands
upon the railing, and springs lightly over; standing in the full light
that falls from within, he doffs his hat like a courtier, and bending
before Constance, says, in a voice that is, for a man, singularly rich
and mellow:

"Madame, I am here at your service. I am Neil J. Bathurst."

CHAPTER V.

THE DEDUCTIONS OF A DETECTIVE.

Both Constance and Dr. Heath fancy that they comprehend the situation
almost instantaneously. The stranger's movements have been so cat-like,
his voice so carefully modulated, that Aunt Honor reads on, never
dreaming that an addition has been made to the party. Dr. Heath is the
first to speak.

"Upon my word," he says, with a touch of coldness in his tone; "this is
quite dramatic."

"It's a very good tableaux," admits the new comer, "but dramatic as the
present day drama goes? No, it's too naturally brought about, as you
will admit, when I explain my presence here. Your mention of my name,
while I lay sprawled across the great branch, within easy hearing, was
rather sensational, to me, but, of course you can explain that."

By this time Constance has recovered herself, and rises to the occasion;
in fact, she rather enjoys the situation; this is one of the emergencies
wherein she is quite at home. Without stopping for commonplace remarks,
or expressions of surprise, she goes straight to the point.

"How we came to be discussing you, you must understand, if you are
really Mr. Bathurst, and--have been ve