ur place I should have done
the same. My good friend, I take no offence. I thank you for your
compliment. We shall be travelling companions, at any rate," added
Obenreizer. "You go, as I go, at once?"

"At once. I must speak to Marguerite first, of course!"

"Surely! surely! Speak to her this evening. Come, and pick me up on the
way to the station. We go together by the mail train to-night?"

"By the mail train to-night."

* * * * *

It was later than Vendale had anticipated when he drove up to the house
in Soho Square. Business difficulties, occasioned by his sudden
departure, had presented themselves by dozens. A cruelly large share of
the time which he had hoped to devote to Marguerite had been claimed by
duties at his office which it was impossible to neglect.

To his surprise and delight, she was alone in the drawing-room when he
entered it.

"We have only a few minutes, George," she said. "But Madame Dor has been
good to me--and we can have those few minutes alone." She threw her arms
round his neck, and whispered eagerly, "Have you done anything to offend
Mr. Obenreizer?"

"I!" exclaimed Vendale, in amazement.

"Hush!" she said, "I want to whisper it. You know the little photograph
I have got of you. This afternoon it happened to be on the
chimney-piece. He took it up and looked at it--and I saw his face in the
glass. I know you have offended him! He is merciless; he is revengeful;
he is as secret as the grave. Don't go with him, George--don't go with
him!"

"My own love," returned Vendale, "you are letting your fancy frighten
you! Obenreizer and I were never better friends than we are at this
moment."

Before a word more could be said, the sudden movement of some ponderous
body shook the floor of the next room. The shock was followed by the
appearance of Madame Dor. "Obenreizer" exclaimed this excellent person
in a whisper, and plumped down instantly in her regular place by the
stove.

Obenreizer came in with a courier's big strapped over his shoulder. "Are
you ready?" he asked, addressing Vendale. "Can I take anything for you?
You have no travelling-bag. I have got one. Here is the compartment for
papers, open at your service."

"Thank you," said Vendale. "I have only one paper of importance with me;
and that paper I am bound to take charge of myself. Here it is," he
added, touching the breast-pocket of his coat, "and here it must remain
till we get to Neuchatel."