great, and the secret of the kind of popularity he enjoyed was in no
small measure attributable to his own lack of self-respect. But for the
first time in his life Bobby's pride now asserted itself. At last he was
being "tried too high."

"Excuse me, madame, if before answering you I ask you why you are
interested?"

Madame de Corantin considered an instant. "I shall tell you, my friend,
but not now." She glanced round her significantly as she spoke. "The
little story is rather private, and I should not care to be overheard.
You understand?"

"Oh, please don't--please," he stammered, feeling he had been indiscreet,
but flattered all the same by the promise of her confidence. "His name is
Alistair Ramsey. I have known him a long time."

"Is he an intimate friend of yours, monsieur?"

"Well, no, I can't say intimate, but I used to know him very well."

"What is his position in London?"

Bobby thought a moment. "Do you mean his position now during the War or
generally?"

"Both."

"Well, shortly before the War he had been made a partner in an important
firm in the Stock Exchange. He is supposed to come of a good family, and