instant when she set eyes on Theydon.

"Pray forgive the intrusion," she faltered. "I-- I expected to meet an
older man."

It was a curious utterance, and Theydon tried to relieve her evident
nervousness by being mildly humorous.

"I hope to correct my juvenile appearance in course of time," he said,
smiling. "Meanwhile, won't you be seated? You are not quite unknown to
me, Miss Beale. That is-- I heard of you last night from the Scotland
Yard people."

She sat down at once, but seemed to be at a loss for words. Her lips
trembled, and Theydon thought she was going to cry.

"Have you traveled from Oxford this morning?" he said, simulating a
courteous nonchalance he was far from feeling. "If so, you must have
started from home at an ungodly hour. Let me have some breakfast
prepared for you."

"No-- no," she stammered.

"Well, a cup of tea, then? Come, now, no woman ever refuses a cup of
tea."

"You are very kind."

He rang the bell.