she asked. "Those English names are so puzzling."

"Yes," said Bobby. "Why, do you know him?"

"Oh, slightly," she answered, "but continue your story, it is so
interesting."

"Where was I? Oh, yes, let me see. Have you ever heard of Leonie Blas?"

Madame de Corantin smiled at the sudden question. "Oh yes, the chanteuse.
What has she to do with it?"

"Well, you see, Ramsey and Leonie were more or less _colles_, and
Ramsey introduced old Fellowes to her. Soon afterwards Ramsey became
Fellowes' private secretary."

"Ah!" The exclamation came through Madame de Corantin's closed lips
almost like a sigh. "And Sir Archibald is a very important personage, I
believe?"

"Important! They say he runs the whole War Office."

Madame de Corantin laughed. The sound of it rippled away joyously. It was
infectious, and Bobby laughed too.

"Anything more I can tell you?"

"Oh no, thanks. Now let us talk about other things, but I must know this
wonderful Mr. Ramsey. You will introduce him to me, won't you? Ah!" The
reason for the exclamation was evident.