at deal from attacks of sleep walking. I
get up at night and wander about, without knowing what I am doing. One
night, I went out on the balcony and nearly walked off into the street."
She lied bravely, hoping that her story would appear plausible.

"Too bad," Mr. Phelps remarked, evidently somewhat surprised that she
should confide such matters to him. "You are under treatment, of
course."

"No--that is, not at present. No one in Paris has been able to do me any
good. I have heard so much of Dr. Hartmann and his marvelous success
with all sorts of mental and nervous troubles that I have decided to
consult him. That is why I came to Brussels."

"I see. Well--he's a splendid man. You couldn't do better. I know him
very well, and like him immensely. A thorough scientist. Have you seen
him, yet?"

"No. I--I understood that he does not care to take patients without
references as to their standing, financial and otherwise."

"My dear girl, you would have no trouble. Of course he is overrun with
patients--and as his sanatorium is a small one, he is obliged to charge
large fees and take only the best and wealthiest class. He is an
investigator, rather than a practitioner, and for that reason is obliged
to guard his time."

"Then may I ask that you will give me a letter to him?" Grace said,
hesitatingly.

"Certainly. I'll do it gladly. When do you intend to call on him?"

"I thought of going at once."

"Then I'll do better than give you a letter. I'll call him up by
telephone and make an appointment for you. Say in half an hour. It will
take you about twenty minutes to drive to his place. Will that be
convenient?"

"Perfectly, Mr. Phelps, and thank you very much."

"Nonsense, my dear girl. Only too happy to do it for you. You must come
and meet Mrs. Phelps, later on, and dine with us. Just at present she is
out, taking tea with some friends. I want you to know her." He rose and
started toward the door. "Excuse me for a few moments, while I telephone
the doctor."

Grace, left alone, could not help regretting the deceit she had been
obliged to practise upon her aunt's old friend, but there seemed to be
no help for it. She only hoped that nothing would occur, subsequently,
to involve the latter in any disagreeable explanations.

Mr. Phelps returned to the drawing-room in a few moments, his face
weathed in smiles of satisfaction. "You're lucky," he said. "Dr.
Hartmann tells me that he can accommodate you at once, a