"She no longer hopes," thought I, and already felt repaid for my
trouble.

"This is a very pretty article you have brought me," said she with
something of the unrestrained love of art which she undoubtedly
possessed, showing itself through all her languor. "Where did it come
from, and what recommendations have you, to prove it is an honest
sale you offer me?"

"None," returned I, ignoring with a reassuring smile the first
question, "except that I should not be afraid if all the police in
New York knew I was here with this fine placque for sale."

She gave a shrug of her proud shoulder that bespoke the French
Countess and softly ran her finger round the edge of the placque.

"I don't need anything more of this kind," said she languidly;
"besides," and she set it down with a fretful air, "I am in no mood
to buy this afternoon." Then shortly, "What do you ask for it?"

I named a fabulous price.

She started and cast me a keen glance. "You had better take it to some
one else; I have no money to throw away."

With a hesitating hand I lifted the placque towards the basket. "I
would very much like to sell it to you," said I. "Perhaps--"

Just then a lady's fluttering voice rose from the room beyond