s this lady?" asked Winifred.

"Mrs. Ronald Tower."

"Young--nice-looking?" asked Winifred, looking down at the crochet work
in her lap. She was so taken up with the purely feminine aspect of
affairs that she gave slight heed to a remarkable coincidence.

"Er--so-so," said Carshaw with a smile borne of memories, which
Winifred's downcast eyes just noticed under their raised lids.

"What is she like?" she went on.

"Let me see! How shall I describe her? Well, you know Gainsborough's
picture of the Duchess of Devonshire? She's like that, full-busted,
with preposterous hats, dashing--rather a beauty!"

"Indeed!" said Winifred coldly. "She must be awfully attractive. A
_very_ old friend?"

"Oh, rather! I knew her when I was eighteen, and she was _elancee_
then."

"What does _elancee_ mean?"

"On the loose."

"What does _that_ mean?"

"Well--a bit free and easy, doesn't it? Something of that sort. Smart
set, you know."

"I see. Do _you_, then, belong to the smart set?"

"I? No. I dislike it rather. But one rubs with all sorts in the grinding
of the mill."

"And this Mrs. Ronald Tower, whom you knew at eighteen, how old was she
then?"

"About twenty-two or so."

"And she was--gay then?"

"As far as ever society would let her."

"How--did you know?"

"I--well, weren't we almost boy and girl together?"

"I wonder you can give yourself the pains to come to spend your precious
minutes with me when that sort of woman is within--"

"What, not jealous?" he cried joyously. "And of that _passee_ creature?
Why, she isn't worthy to stoop and tie the latchets of your shoes, as
the Scripture saith!"

"Still, I'd rather not be indebted to that lady for anything," said
Winifred.

"But why not? Don't be excessive, little one. There is no reason, you
know."

"How does she come to know about singing and theatrical people?"

"I don't know that she does. I only assume it. A woman of the world,
cutting a great dash, yet hard up--that kind knows all sorts and
conditions of men. I am sure she could help you, and I'll have a try."

"But is she the wife of the Ronald Tower who was dragged by the lasso
into the river?"

"The same."

"It is odd how that name keeps on occurring in my life," said Winifred
musingly. "A month ago I first heard it on Riverside Drive, and since
then I hear it always. I prefer, Rex, that you do not say anything to
that woman about me."

"I shall!" said Rex playfully. "You mustn't star