the most guarded reserve on my part.

"I know I am indiscreet, sir," said she, at last; "but you must pardon
one whose zeal outruns her reason."

And I bowed grandly, as I might have done in extending mercy to some
captive taken in battle.

"There is but one favor more, sir, I have to beg."

"Speak it, madam. As the courtier remarked, if it be possible it _is_
done, if impossible it _shall_ be done."

"Well, sir, it is that you will not leave us till you hear from--" She
hesitated as if afraid to say the name, and then added, "the Rue St.
Georges. Will you give me this pledge?"

Now, though this would have been, all things considered, an arrangement
very like to have lasted my life, I could not help hesitating ere I
assented, not to say that our dear friend of the Rue St Georges, whoever
he was, might possibly not concur in all the delusions indispensable
to my happiness. I therefore demurred,--that is, in legal acceptance, I
deferred assent,--as though to say, "We'll see."

"At all events, sir, you 'll accompany us to Como?"

"You have my pledge to that, madam."

"And meanwhile, sir, you agree with me that it is better I should
continue to behave towards you with a cold and distant reserve."

"Unquestionably."

"Barely meeting, seldom or never conversing."

"I should say never, madam; making, in fact, any communication you may
desire to reach me through the intervention of that young person,--I
forget her name."

"Miss Herbert, sir."

"Exactly; and who appears gentle and unobtrusive."

"She is a gentlewoman by birth, sir," said the old lady, tetchily.

"I have no doubt of it, madam, or she would not be found in association
with you."

She courtesied deeply at the compliment, and I bowed as low, and,
backing and bowing, I gained the door, dying with eagerness, to make my
escape.

"Will you pardon me, sir, if, after all the agitation of this meeting, I
may not feel equal to appear at dinner to-day?"

"You will charge that young person to give news of your health,
however," said I, insinuating that I expected to see Miss Herbert.

"Certainly, sir; and if it should be your pleasure that she should dine
with you, to preserve appearances--"

"You are right, madam; your remark is full of wisdom. I shall expect
to meet her." And again I bowed low, and ere she recovered from another
reverential courtesy I had closed the door behind me, and was half-way
downstairs.

CHAPTER XX. THE MYSTERY EXPL