have pronounced him presentable, for he was
admitted at once.

Undoubtedly the page blundered; but the events of the past hour had
completely muddled the poor boy's wits, and perhaps the sight of
one of his own sex was grateful, coming as it did after so many
agitated females. At any rate, Mr. Fogo and his card entered the
Goodwyn-Sandys' drawing-room together.

I leave you to imagine his feelings. In one wild instant the scene
exploded on his senses. He staggered back against the door, securely
pinning the retreating page between it and the doorpost, and denuding
the Goodwyn-Sandys' livery of half a dozen buttons. The four
distracted visitors started up as if to escape by the window.
Mrs. Goodwyn-Sandys advanced.

She was white to the lips. A close observer might have read the
hunted look that for one brief moment swept over her face. But when
she spoke her words were cold and calm.

"You wish to see my husband, Mr.--?" She hesitated over the name.

"Not in the least," stammered Mr. Fogo.

There was an awful silence, during which he stared blankly around on
the ladies.

"Then may I ask--?"

"I desired to see Gerald--I mean, Mrs. Goodwyn-Sandys--but--"

"I am Mrs. Goodwyn-Sandys. Would you mind stating your business?"

Mr. Fogo started, dropped his hat, and leant back against the door
again.

"_You!_"

"Certainly." Her mouth worked slightly, but her eyes were steady.

"You are she that--was--once--Geraldine--O'Halloran?"

"Certainly."

"Excuse me, madam," said Mr. Fogo, picking up his hat and addressing
Mrs. Simpson politely, "but the mole on your chin annoys me."

"Sir!"

"Annoys me excessively. May I ask, was it a birth-mark?"

"He is mad!" screamed the ladies, starting up and wringing their
hands. "Oh, help! help!"

Mr. Fogo looked from one to another, and passed his hand wearily over
his eyes.

"You are right," he murmured; "I fancy--do you know--that I must be--
slightly--mad. Pray excuse me. Would one of you mind seeing me
home?" he asked with a plaintive smile.

His eyes wandered to Mrs. Goodwyn-Sandys, who stood with one hand
resting on the table, while the other pointed to the door.

"Help! help!" screamed the ladies.

Without another word he opened the door and tottered out into the
passage. At the foot of the stairs he met the Honourable Frederic,
who had been attracted by the screams.

"It's all right," said Mr. Fogo; "don't trouble. I shall be better
out in