Frenchman was eyeing me discreetly and askance, as though he
wished to avoid witnessing my confusion. It would have been
better if he had laughed outright.

"Very well," I said, "you can tell Mlle. not to disturb
herself. But," I added sharply, "I would also ask you why you
have been so long in handing me this note? Instead of chattering
about trifles, you ought to have delivered me the missive at
once--if you have really come commissioned as you say."

"Well, pardon some natural haste on my part, for the situation
is so strange. I wished first to gain some personal knowledge of
your intentions; and, moreover, I did not know the contents of
the note, and thought that it could be given you at any time."

"I understand," I replied. "So you were ordered to hand me the
note only in the last resort, and if you could not otherwise
appease me? Is it not so? Speak out, Monsieur de Griers."

"Perhaps," said he, assuming a look of great forbearance, but
gazing at me in a meaning way.

I reached for my hat; whereupon he nodded, and went out. Yet on
his lips I fancied that I could see a mocking smile. How could
it have been otherwise?

"You and I are to have a reckoning later, Master Frenchman," I
muttered as I descended the stairs. "Yes, we will measure our
strength together." Yet my thoughts were all in confusion, for
again something seemed to have struck me dizzy. Presently the