of the few," the Duchess remarked complacently, "who has
seen a real manifestation of his powers. It is true," she added, with
a little shudder, "there was a mistake toward the end. The experiment
wasn't wholly successful, but it was wonderful, all the
same--wonderful!"

* * * * *

Saton left the restaurant, and entered the small electric brougham
which was waiting for him. He lit a cigarette and leaned back amongst
the cushions, musing over the events of the evening with a complacent
smile. The last few weeks seemed to have wrought some subtle change in
the man. His face was at once stronger and weaker, more determined,
and yet in a sense less trustworthy. His manner had gained in
assertion, his bearing in confidence. There was an air of resolve
about him, as though he knew exactly where he was going--how far, and
in what direction. And with it all he had aged. There were lines under
his eyes, and his face was worn--at times almost haggard.

He let himself into the little house in Berkeley Square with his
latchkey, and turned at once into Rachael's room. She was sitting over
the fire in a brilliant red dressing-gown, her head elaborately
coiffured, her fingers and neck brilliant with jewels. Yet when she
turned her head one saw a change. Age had laid its grip upon her at
last. Her voice had lost its decision. Her hands trembled in her lap.

"You are late, Bertrand," she said--"very late."

"Not so very," he answered. "I have been supping at the _Savoy_ with
the Duchess of Ampthill and some friends."

She looked at him searchingly, looked at him from head to foot, noted
the trim exactness of his evening attire, and his enamel links and
waistcoat buttons, the air of confidence with which he crossed the
room to mix himself a whiskey and soda. It was she who had been like
that a few months ago, and he the timid one. They seemed to have
changed places.

"Bertrand," she said, "you frighten me. You go so far, nowadays."

"Why not?" he answered.

"Huntley has been here to-night," she went on. "He tells me that you
have opened even another place, and that all the old ones are going.
He tells me that the offices are hard at work, too."

"Business is good," remarked Saton, drily.

"I thought that we were going quietly for a time," she said. "It was
you who were so terrified at the risk. Do you imagine that the danger
is over?"

"My dear Rachael," he answered, coming over to her, "I h