his bedroom. She struggled at first, but soon
realized her helplessness and allowed him to have his way. When he had
her safely inside, Lionel locked the door quietly and sat down in high
feather on the bed. He felt he was beginning to earn his salary at last.

"Do sit down," he suggested politely. "We must have quite a long
conversation before we part. I can recommend the armchair."

Mizzi shrugged her shoulders philosophically and obeyed. She was
breathing a little quickly from the capture; but Lionel noticed that she
was as charming as ever, and his heart harbored a rebellious thought.
"Hard luck that I seem to be always trying to snare a pretty girl!" he
mused. "Well, it must be no nonsense now, my friend. Saint Anthony,
forward!" He studied Mizzi's face attentively for a minute, and then
asked bluntly, "Now, will you kindly tell me what you have done with
those papers?"

"What papers?" she asked with surpassing innocence. "I have no idea what
you mean."

"Oh, don't be silly!" he said impatiently. "Why need we beat about the
bush? You know well enough. Explain."

"I know this," she said viciously, "that you find me coming from my
room, fall upon me like an Apache, drag me here at this unseemly hour
and lock me in! And you ask me to explain! The explanation is due from
you. Have you never heard of _les convenances_--what you English call
Mrs. Grundy?"

"She's snoring now," he smiled. "I shan't wake her."

Mizzi rose with dignity and marched to the door, nose in the air. "If
you are a gentleman," she said scornfully, "you will release me at
once."

"Afterward," he replied without moving. He sensed his triumph already.

"After what?"

"Your explanation."

She sat down again and looked keenly at him, as if trying to divine the
strength of his determination. "I have nothing to explain," she said
presently. "If I had, you could not compel me. If you attempt it I
shall scream."

"Quite worth trying," he said urbanely. "Start now. I haven't the least
objection."

Mizzi remained silent for several minutes, debating the point. Then she
laughed frankly, as if admiring his coolness. "Ah! that's better!" he
approved. "Now, perhaps, we shall get on."

"But no!" she said quickly, "I shall not scream, because I am quite
capable of taking care of myself. But I will tell you nothing. What
next, monsieur?"

Lionel got off the bed and began to fill a pipe in leisurely fashion.
"You don't mind me smoking?" he asked