"No instance. I give it to you as a general proposition and without
charge; which is something unusual in these days of tips and gratuities
and subsidized graft and things equally predatory."

Mrs. Spencer arose. "The mere mention of graft puts me to instant
flight," she remarked.

"And naturally even the suggestion of a crime is equally repugnant to
you," Mrs. Clephane observed.

"'As a general proposition,'" Mrs. Spencer quoted.

"And general propositions are best proved by exceptions, _n'est-ce
pas_?" was the quick yet drawling answer.

The two women's eyes met.

"I trust, Mrs. Clephane, we shall meet again and soon," Mrs. Spencer
replied, extending her hand.

"Thank you so much," was Mrs. Clephane's answer.

Mrs. Spencer turned to Harleston with a perfectly entrancing smile.

"Good-night, Guy," she murmured.--"No, sir, not a foot; I'm going up to
my apartment."

"Then we will convoy you to the elevator. Come, Mr. Harleston."