st to the sweeping silks and satins in which I had
hitherto beheld her adorned; or that she was laboring under some
physical disability that robbed her dark cheek of the bloom that was its
chiefest charm. The change I observed went deeper than that; it was more
as if a light had been extinguished in her countenance. It was the same
woman I had beheld standing like a glowing column of will and strength
before the melancholy form of Mr. Blake, but with the will and strength
gone, and with them all the glow.

"She no longer hopes," thought I, and already felt repaid for my
trouble.

"This is a very pretty article you have brought me," said she with
something of the unrestrained love of art which she undoubtedly
possessed, showing itself through all her languor. "Where did it come
from, and what recommendations have you, to prove it is an honest sale
you offer me?"

"None," returned I, ignoring with a reassuring smile the first question,
"except that I should not be afraid if all the police in New York knew I
was here with this fine placque for sale."

She gave a shrug of her proud shoulder that bespoke the French Countess
and softly ran her finger round the edge of the placque.

"I don't need anything more of this kind," said she languidly;
"besides," and she set it down with a fretful air, "I am in no mood to
buy this afternoon." Then shortly, "What do you ask for it?"

I named a fabulous price.

She started and cast me a keen glance. "You had better take it to some
one else; I have no money to throw away."

With a hesitating hand I lifted the placque towards the basket. "I would
very much like to sell it to you," said I. "Perhaps--"

Just then a lady's fluttering voice rose from the room beyond inquiring
for the Countess, and hurriedly taking the placque from my hand with
an impulsive "O there's Amy," she passed into the adjoining apartment,
leaving the door open behind her.

I saw a quick interchange of greetings between her and a fashionably
dressed lady, then they withdrew to one side with the ornament I had
brought, evidently consulting in regard to its merits. Now was my time.
The book in which she had placed the letter she had been writing lay on
the table right before me, not two inches from my hand. I had only
to throw back the cover and my curiosity would be satisfied. Taking
advantage of a moment when their backs were both turned, I pressed open
the book with a careful hand, and with one eye on them