-she allows no
introductions. I know a dozen and more who have tried to see her in
vain."

He was not much wiser after this conversation than before; but he was
more determined to know. That same evening he made another excuse, and
left his wife at Lady Blanchard's ball while he drove to the
opera-house. The opera was almost over, but he saw the manager, to whom
he briefly stated his errand.

"I believe," he said, "that in Madame Vanira I recognize an old friend.
Will you introduce me to her?"

"I am sorry to say that I cannot," was the courteous reply. "I promised
madame not to make any introductions to her."

"Will you take my card to her? If she is the lady I take her to be she
will send word whether she wishes to see me or not."

The manager complied with his request. He soon returned.

"Madame Vanira wishes me to say that she has not the pleasure of your
lordship's acquaintance, and that she is compelled to decline any
introduction."

"Then it is not Leone," he said to himself, and a chill of
disappointment came over him.

His heart had been beating quickly and warmly, yet he persuaded himself
it was only that he was so pleased to know she was all right and safe
from the frowns of the world. It was not Leone, but she was so much like
Leone that he felt he must go to see her again.

"The opera to-night?" said Lady Marion, in her sweetest tones. "Why, my
dear Lance, you were there three nights since."

"Yes, I know, but I thought it pleased you, Marion. We will ask my
mother to go with us. It is the 'Crown Diamonds,' a very favorite opera
of hers."

"Will Madame Vanira sing?" asked Lady Chandos, and her husband quietly
answered:

"Yes."

He was anxious for Lady Lanswell to go, to see if she would recognize
Leone, or if any likeness would strike her. As his chief wish seemed to
be to give pleasure to his mother, and he expressed no desire to see the
beautiful singer again, Lady Chandos was very amiable. She sent a kind
little note to the countess, saying what pleasure it would give them if
she would go to the opera with them, and Lady Lanswell was only too
pleased. The earl had grown tired of such things and never cared to go
out in the evening.

How anxiously Lord Chandos watched his mother's face. He saw delight,
surprise and wonder, but no recognition--except once, and then the
magnificent arms of the actress were raised in denunciation. Then
something of bewilderment came over Lady Lanswell's f