"Who were talking?"

"Mrs. Chartrand and a man--at least I took it to be Mrs. Chartrand; it
was a woman's voice."

"Did they mention where they were to meet, or the name of the man?"

"No. The very vagueness of the talk made its impression on me at that
time of night. In the daytime, I would not have even listened."

"I understand," said Harleston. "Call me up, will you, if there are any
developments as to the men I've described--or the conversation.
Meanwhile, Miss Williams, not a word."

"Not a word, Mr. Harleston--and thank you."

"What for?"

"For treating me as a human being. Most persons treat me like an
automaton or a bit of dirt. You're different; most of the men are not so
bad; it's the women, Mr. Harleston, the women! Good-night, sir. I'll
call you if anything turns up."

"All of which shows," reflected Harleston, as he returned to bed, "that
the telephone people are right in asking you to smile when you say
'hello.'"

It was a very interesting condition of affairs that confronted him.