thought it was Mr. Quadling."

"But you knew him?"

"Certainly. They were my bankers, much to my sorrow. I shall lose
heavily by their failure."

"That also has reached you, then?" interrupted the General,
hastily and somewhat uneasily.

"To be sure. The man told me of it himself. Indeed, he came to me
the very day I was leaving Rome, and made me an offer--a most
obliging offer."

"To share his fallen fortunes?"

"Sir Charles Collingham! How can you? That creature!" The contempt
in her tone was immeasurable.

"I had heard--well, some one said that--"

"Speak out, General; I shall not be offended. I know what you
mean. It is perfectly true that the man once presumed to pester me
with his attentions. But I would as soon have looked at a courier
or a cook. And now--"

There was a pause. The General felt on delicate ground. He could
ask no questions--anything more must come from the Countess
herself.