r. There seems to be some near relationship between them, but
just what, I cannot determine. Occasionally the girl dines alone. Each
has a low, well-modulated voice. It seems to me that there is restraint
in their speech.

"The man has a dissemblingly observing glance, and while apparently
unconcerned, notes all. The girl's face wears an expression of sad yet
almost hopeful pensiveness.

"I rarely have seen so striking a girlish face. Such finely molded
features with mobile lights and shades suggest romantic interest. It
seems to me that this beautiful, pensive young woman is capable of both
deathless devotion and much zeal in any fixed resolve.

"That her companion is no common mortal I clearly see. However, this
impressible young man is most concerned with feminine traits.

"It dawns upon me that both are aware of my presence. There is an almost
imperceptible feigning of unconcern. Occasionally their eyes exchange
significant glances, followed by commonplace remark or quiet reserve.

"It seems to me that there is coincidence in dining-hours. These people
never precede, but almost invariably follow my appearance in the
dining-room. At rare intervals I have detected interest in their
observations of my table locality. The girl has slightly colored at my
guarded admiring glances, and seemed nervously affected.

"Averse to needless or indiscreet notoriety at this particular time, I
refrain from inquiry. Much as antecedents and purposes of these people
interest me it will not be wise to risk vocal curiosity. I feel not only
the restraints of good breeding, but of the situation. The Lanier
exposures may be not even remotely hampered by sentimental interest in
this young woman with most potent suggestions of a romantic past.

"I resolve to dismiss this subject from further thought. I will devote
my whole time clearing up the Thames tragedy. This resolution is not so
easy to carry out. That fascinating, pathetically mobile face confronts
my inner vision. It seems to invoke sympathy and help in some
indefinite crisis.

"Such claims not lightly may be disregarded. Intangible verities are
most insistent.

"Even when spying upon Paul Lanier's crazed performances, I often am
startled by reflection of that other face with its questioning pathos of
mute appeal.

"There has been a break in these regular nightly tableaus. Paul fails to
appear. For some reason this insane actor abandons his accustomed river
pantomimes. This