ere a
blemish indeed, but like a beauty-spot emphasized the melting eyes and
the peachy skin.

The creamy habit of the nun and the white coif about her head left only
her oval face and her lovely hands visible; but what a revelation were
these of loveliness and grace! One glance at her tender face and the
little hands would have scattered to the winds the slanders of Colette.
Success had thrilled but not coarsened the escaped nun. As Grahame had
surmised, she was now the hinge of Livingstone's scheme. The success of
her book and the popularity of her lectures, together with her discreet
behavior, had given her immense influence with her supporters and with
the leaders. Their money poured into her lap. She did not need it while
her book sold and her lectures were crowded.

The office saw come and go the most distinguished visitors. Even the
English historian did not begin to compare with her in glory, and so far
his lectures had not been well attended. Thinking of many things with
deep pride, she remembered that adversity had divided the leisure of
her table with prosperity. Hence, she could not help wondering how long
this fine success would last. Her peculiar fate demanded an end to it
sometime. As if in answer to her question, the solemn youth in the
antechamber knocked at her door, and announced with decorum Mr. Richard
Curran.

"I have made the inquiries you wanted," Curran said, as he took a chair
at her bidding. "Young Everard is a special pet of Dillon. This boy is
the apple of his eye. And Everard, the father, is an ardent supporter of
Livingstone. I think you had better drop this affair, if you would
escape a tangle--a nasty tangle."

"If the boy is willing, where's the tangle, Mr. Curran?" she answered
placidly.

"Well, you know more about the thing than I can tell you," he said, as
if worried. "You know them all. But I can't help warning you against
this Dillon. If you lay your hand on anything of his, I'm of opinion
that this country will not be big enough for you and him at the same
time."

"I shall get him also, and that'll put an end to his enmity. He's a fine
fellow. He's on my track, but you'll see how enchantment will put him
off it. Now, don't grumble. I'll be as tender and sweet with the boy as
a siren. You will come in only when I feel that the spell doesn't work.
Rely on me to do the prudent thing."

That he did not rely on her his expression showed clearly.

"You have made a great hit i