"Castagneto. Contessa Castagneto."

At sound of which the General turned sharply, to find Galipaud
advancing and stretching out his hand to take the message.

"Pardon me," cried Sir Charles, promptly interposing and
understanding the situation at a glance. "I am just going up to
see that lady. Give me the telegram."

Galipaud would have disputed the point, when the General, who had
already recognized him, said quietly:

"No, no, Inspector, you have no earthly right to it. I guess why
you are here, but you are not entitled to interfere with private
correspondence. Stand back;" and seeing the detective hesitate, he
added peremptorily:

"Enough of this. I order you to get out of the way. And be quick
about it!"

The manager now returned, and admitted that Madame la Comtesse
would receive her visitor. A few seconds more, and the General was
admitted into her presence.

"How truly kind of you to call!" she said at once, coming up to
him with both hands outstretched and frank gladness in her eyes.

Yes, she was very attractive in her plain, dark travelling dress
draping her tall, graceful figure; her beautiful, pale face was
enhanced by the rich tones of her dark brown, wavy hair, while