"You have a very clever relation," she said. "We are all expecting
great things from him. Now let me tell you, Douglas, why I have come.
There are two men coming to see me to-morrow whom you positively must
meet. One is Mr. Anderson, who owns the great Provincial Syndicate of
Newspapers, and pays enormous prices for letters from London, the other
is an American. I've asked them purposely for you, and you see I've
taken some pains to make sure of your coming."

"It is very good of you," Douglas replied. "I will come, of course,
with pleasure."

"At eight o'clock," she said, gathering up her skirts into her hand.
"Now, good-by, young people."

She nodded pleasantly and turned away. Douglas took the lamp and
hurried to the door.

"You will let me see you to your carriage," he said.

"Cissy, I shall only be a moment. Do you mind the darkness?"

She answered him blithely. The Countess laid her delicate fingers upon
his arm, and held up her skirts till he could see her shapely feet with
diamond buckles carefully feeling for each stair.

"My friend," she exclaimed, "what ill taste you have shown. You are
abominably lodged."

"I am not a chooser," he answered; "but at least here I can pay my way."