There were altogether too many women in this case. And which one was
waiting for him? He knew neither, but there was the chance that the one
he was to meet knew him.

And so he adventured it, walking slowly toward them, and taking care
that they should notice him.

They did.

Mrs. Winton glanced at him casually and impersonally.

The unknown, whose face was from him, turned sharply when he dropped his
stick, and looked at him unrecognizingly. As her eyes came down they
rested on the other woman.

She gave a subdued exclamation, arose and threaded her way to the
opposite side of the corridor.

Harleston, glancing back, saw the move, and swinging over he followed.
He would speak to her--meanwhile, he was looking at her. So far, at
least, both were good to look at; they must be good to look at in this
business, it is part of the stock in trade.

"Good afternoon, Madame X," he said, bowing before her.

"Why, how do you do, Mr. Harleston," she smiled, giving him her hand
and making room beside her on the settee. "I'm delighted to see you,
just delighted!"

"It is nice to meet again, isn't it?" he returned. "When did you get to