saying that you had just seen someone whom you wished to avoid, and
asking me to dine with you in your apartment--and that you would explain
your disappearance. I went up at once to No. 972; and there encountered
pretty much similar treatment to yours,"--and he detailed the episode,
down to the time she reappeared in the corridor.

She had heard him through without an interruption; at the end she said
simply:

"I've absolutely no business in this affair, Mr. Harleston. When such
things can happen in this hotel, in the very centre of the National
Capital and among the throngs of diners and guests, it behooves an
ordinary woman to seek safety in a hospital or a prison. It seems that
the greater the prominence of the place, the greater the danger and the
less liability to arrest."

"In diplomacy!" he acquiesced.

"Then again, I say, Heaven save me from meddling in diplomacy!"

"Amen, my lady! Moreover," he added, as they arose and passed into the
corridor, "I want you as you are."

Once again their eyes met--she coloured and looked away.

"Play the game, Mr. Harleston," she reminded, "play the game! And thank
you for a delicious dinner and a charming evening--and don't forget
you've an appointment at ten."

"I had forgotten!" he laughed, drawing out his watch.