for Romer, and, at the back of her
brain, she grudgingly and perversely sympathised a little with her
daughter-in-law. Harry radiated a peculiar charm for women of all ages.
He did not study them nor try very much to please them; the fascination
was involuntary; he simply used it.

"And that is, that you and my daughter-in-law, Valentia, were seen
_alone_----" she paused a moment, showing a latent instinct for dramatic
effect.

He smiled a little more, and bent his head forward with every sign of
intelligent interest.

She spoke with emphasis.

"_Alone_--the other morning--at the British Museum!"

Somehow she felt the shot had missed fire. It had fallen flat. It was
less effective than she had hoped. It did not sound so very shocking
after all.

He continued to smile with the air of waiting for the climax. She
gathered herself together and went on--

"I heard it from Miss Westbury, so it is a fact!"

Harry thought of saying that he preferred an old wives' tale any day to
an old maid's fact, but he only smiled on.

"Of course, if this is untrue, Mr. de Freyne--if it is a mistake, or a
false report, you have merely to deny it. Assure me it is incorrect--on
your word of honour--and I will then contradict it in the proper
quarter."

He decided on his line. "My dear lady, pray don't contradict it. As a
report it is a gem--it is unique. Not merely because it's absolutely
true--for, as a matter of fact, I think most reports are--but because of
its utter unimportance! It seems to me so trivial--so dull--so wanting
in interest to the general public."

"You think reports are usually true, Mr. de Freyne?"

"I am convinced they are. I believe firmly in the no-smoke-without-fire
theory. Oh, do you know, I think it is _so_ true!... This certainly is
true--it's a solemn fact."

"You admit it?"

"I do indeed! Surely I could hardly refuse to go when I was asked?"

"Oh, you were asked?"

"Certainly. And Romer is really such a very old friend of mine, I could
hardly refuse his request. I may be wrong, but I think one should always
be ready to take a little trouble for an old friend."

"No doubt you have very strict ideas on the duties and obligations of
friendship! At _his_ request--my son's?"

"Yes; your son asked me to go and escort Valentia."

"It is very peculiar; you must see that your explanation sounds
extremely odd."

"Not at all odd," he answered softly, "if you will allow me to
contradict you." He tho