myself. Can't something be
done about it?"

"-And the curiosity of cold-wristed burglars--By the way, I can't get
over your climbing up like that, you know. It's all right, as it
happens, and I'm rather glad you did, but this might have been a
bedroom or--or anything."

"Or a bathroom. Of course it might. But then, you see, you very
seldom find a piano in the bathroom nowadays, Silvia. Incidentally,
what a sweet room this is."

"Do you like my pictures?"

"Awfully. Especially the one on the gate-table."

My lady blew smoke out of a faint smile. Then:

"If it comes to that, there's rather a good one on the arm of your
chair," she said.

"Yes. By the same artist, too. But the one on the table knocks it.
That'll be hung on the line year after year."

"What line?"

"At the Academy of Hearts. I beg your pardon, my dear. It slipped
out."

Silvia threw back her dainty head and laughed merrily. Presently:

"But the one on the table's damaged," she said. "Didn't you see the
scratch?"

"And the one on the chair wants cleaning badly. In its present state
they wouldn't hang it anywhere except at Pentonville. But the scratch.
How did you get it?"

"Ah! That was the Marquis. We were by the window, and when you
slipped that strap round, he jumped like anything. He was in my arms,
you see."

"I'm awfully sorry; but do you often embrace nobles, and how do you say
good-bye to dukes? I mean to say, I haven't got my patent with me, and
my coronet's in the store--I mean, strong room; but anyone who doesn't
know me will tell you--Besides, I never scratch."

"The Marquis is a Blue Persian."

"These foreign titles," I murmured scornfully.

"Don't be patronizing," said Silvia. "You know where Pride goes.
Besides, I've met some very nice counts."

I leaned forward. "I know. So've I. Barons, too. The last I
struck's doing seven years now. But you're English, Silvia. English,
d'you hear? I'll bet they're all over you out here. I know them. I'm
a fool, but I don't like to think of your--I mean, I'd rather be an
English--er--"

"Burglar?"

We both laughed, and I got up. "Silvia," I said, "tell me the best way
to Fladstadt and turn me out while there is yet time."

"What do you mean?"

"This. I've already been in love with you for a quarter of an hour.
In another ten minutes I shall be sitting at your feet. Half an hour
later--"

"You will be just running into Fladstadt. It's straight