EGERTON.--"For his interest, it is most secured where he suffers it to be
least evident; for his hold over the mind, it is easily accounted for.
He ever appeals to two temptations, strong with all men,--Avarice and
Ambition. Good-day."

RANDAL.--"Are you going to Madame di Negra's? Shall I not accompany you?
Perhaps I may be able to back your own remonstrances."

EGERTON.--"No, I shall not require you."

RANDAL.--"I trust I shall hear the result of your interview? I feel so
much interested in it. Poor Frank!"

Audley nodded. "Of course, of course."




CHAPTER XIV.

On entering the drawing-room of Madame di Negra, the peculiar charm which
the severe Audley Egerton had been ever reputed to possess with women
would have sensibly struck one who had hitherto seen him chiefly in his
relations with men in the business-like affairs of life. It was a charm
in strong contrast to the ordinary manners of those who are emphatically
called "Ladies' men." No artificial smile, no conventional, hollow
blandness, no frivolous gossip, no varnish either of ungenial gayety or
affected grace. The charm was in a simplicity that unbent more into
kindness than it did with men. Audley's nature, whatever its faults and