wd," she objected.

"The difference is that the Spencer crowd are trying to obtain something
to which they haven't the least right--and I'm playing the game against
them. You see my peculiar position, Mrs. Clephane. I've told you what I
shouldn't, because--well, because I'm sure that you will not use it to
my disadvantage."

She traced the figures on her gown with the tips of her fingers, and for
awhile was silent--

"It's all so involved," she reflected; "such wheels within wheels, I am
completely mystified. I'm lost in the maze. I don't know whom to believe
nor whom to trust--except," and suddenly she smiled at him confidently,
"that I trust you."

He held her eyes with his own as he leaned forward across the table and
answered very quietly:

"I shall try, dear lady, to be worthy."

"And now," she laughed, "may I tell you what happened to me when you
were called to the telephone?"

"You may talk to me forever," he replied.

"And what as to the French Ambassador?" she asked.

"Bother the Marquis--he may wait until morning."

"Tomorrow, then, is beyond the forever?"

"Tomorrow may take care of itself!"

"Don't be sacrilegious, sir."

"I'll be anything you wish," he replied.

"Then be a good listener while I tell my tale. It was this wise, Mr.
Harleston. Immediately after you were called away, indeed you were
scarcely out of the room, a page brought a verbal message from the
telephone operator that my maid had been found unconscious in the
corridor of the eighth floor, and carried into 821. I hurried to the
elevator. As I entered the door of 821, I was seized from behind and a
handkerchief bound over my mouth and eyes. I then was tied in a chair,
and a man's voice said that no further harm would come to me if I
remained quiet until morning. I did not see the faces of my assailants;
there were two at least, possibly three, and one I think was a woman.
My feelings and thoughts until the electrician released me may be
imagined. It seemed days and days--and was somewhat uncomfortable while
it lasted. When released I hurried down to look for you--or to write you
a note of explanation if I couldn't find you. I'm sort of becoming
accustomed to being abducted and kindred innocent amusements. I suppose
the only reason they didn't kill me is that they can't kill me more than
once; and to kill me now would be too early in the game."

"Killing is rarely done in diplomacy," observed Harleston, "except in
large num