"The name of an individual is a prerequisite to the transaction of
business," he interposed.

"You do not know me, Mr. Harleston."

"Hence, your name?"

"When we meet, you'll know me by my voice."

"True, mademoiselle, for it's one in a million; but as yet we are not
met, and you desire to talk business."

"And I'm going to talk business!" she laughed. "And I shall not give
you my name--or, if you must, know me as Madame X. Are you satisfied?"

"If you are willing to be known as Madame X," he laughed back, "I
haven't a word to say. Pray begin."

"Being assured now that you have never before heard my voice, and that
you have it fixed sufficiently in your memory--all of which, Mr.
Harleston, wasn't in the least necessary, for we shall meet today--we
will proceed. Ready?"

"Ready, mademoiselle--I mean Madame X."

"What do you intend to do, sir, in regard to the incident of the
deserted cab with the sleeping horse?" she asked.

"I have not determined. It depends on developments."