was becoming
convinced that he had not heard it before.

"What else would justify me in disturbing you?" she asked.

"Yourself, mademoiselle. Let us continue the pleasant conversation and
forget business until business hours."

"When are your business hours, Mr. Harleston--and where's your office?"

"I have no office--and my business hours depend on the business in
hand."

"And the business in hand depends primarily on whether you are
interested in the subject matter of the business, _n'est-ce pas_?"

"I am profoundly interested, mademoiselle, in any matter that concerns
you--as well as in yourself. Who would not be interested in one so
impulsive--and anything so important--as to call him on the telephone at
two in the morning."

"And who on his part is so gracious--and wasn't asleep," she answered.

Harleston slowly winked at the transmitter and smiled.

He thought so. What puzzled him, however, was her idea in prolonging the
talk. Maybe there was not any idea in it, just a feminine notion; yet
something in the very alluring softness of her voice told him otherwise.

"You guessed it," he replied. "I was not asleep. Also I might guess
something in regard to your business."

"What?"

"No, no, mademoiselle! It's impertinent to guess about what does not
concern me--yet."

"Delete the word 'yet,' Mr. Harleston, and substitute the idea that it
was--pardon me--rather gratuitous in you to meddle in the first place."

"I don't understand," said Harleston.

"Oh, yes you do!" she trilled. "However, I'll be specific--it's time to
be specific, you would say; though I might respond that you've known all
along what my business is with you."

"The name of an individual is a prerequisite to the transaction of
business," he interposed.

"You do not know me, Mr. Harleston."

"Hence, your name?"

"When we meet, you'll know me by my voice."

"True, mademoiselle, for it's one in a million; but as yet we are not
met, and you desire to talk business."

"And I'm going to talk business!" she laughed. "And I shall not give
you my name--or, if you must, know me as Madame X. Are you satisfied?"

"If you are willing to be known as Madame X," he laughed back, "I
haven't a word to say. Pray begin."

"Being assured now that you have never before heard my voice, and that
you have it fixed sufficiently in your memory--all of which, Mr.
Harleston, wasn't in the least necessary, for we shall meet today--we
will proceed. Ready