got her game in
regard to her visitor. She desired to appear to the best advantage,
however, for which purpose she talked freely, in the hope of extracting
from him some information concerning himself and his intents. Still,
however, there was another extreme which, though apparently less
dangerous, she must be careful to avoid. The imaginations of men are in
a great measure under the control of their feelings and it was
absolutely necessary for her to refrain from imparting too much
information lest it might deflect from its purpose the very object she
was seeking to obtain.

There was a subtle influence about him, an adroitness of speech, a
precision of movement which, unless sufficiently safeguarded against,
was insidious. He had the most wonderful way of getting one's
confidence, not only by reason of his genial and affable disposition,
but also by his apparent and deliberate sincerity. And while it was true
that she had determined upon a method which was originally intended to
redound to her own advantage, she soon learned that she was playing with
a boomerang which soon put her upon the defensive against the very
strategy which she had herself directly planned.

He was not sincere in his protestations of admiration; that she
perceived immediately. But she was resolved to let him think that she
believed him in order that she might discover his true intents and
purposes. Her knowledge of human nature was sufficient to enable her to
conclude that one cannot unite the incompatible elements of truth and
deception, the discernment of reality and the enjoyment of fiction for
any great length of time. The reality is bound to appear.

For this reason she was not disposed to dismiss him at once but rather
to allow him to call and see her frequently, if need be, until she had
been thoroughly satisfied as to his true character. Nevertheless she
sensed, at this very moment, that she was playing with a skillful
adversary, one thoroughly versed in the game of diplomacy, against whom
she would be called upon to employ every manner of weapon at her
command. She realized the weight of the foe, and thought she understood
his tactics. So she accepted the challenge.

"You are interested in Captain Meagher?" he asked serenely.

There was a pause. Marjorie looked slightly perturbed.

"Well," she confessed, "there is this much about him. I chanced to know
the details of the offense with which he has been charged and I am
naturally