an hardly feel that we are really married," she
said. "Yesterday--it was--different. I cannot remain here now.
Perhaps your uncle and aunt will receive me--until----"

"It is surprising how easily one can get married if one is really bent
on the act," said Curtis, discussing the point as coolly as if it were
a question as to where they would lunch. "At any rate, we shall settle
that difficulty to your complete satisfaction. I expect Steingall here
in less than an hour. Meanwhile, we have lots to tell each other. I
want you to know just what sort of husband you have drawn in the
lottery."

"Do you take me on trust, then?"

"Absolutely without reservation."

Obviously, the conversation did not flag before the detective was
announced. He looked tired and preoccupied when he came in, but his
shrewd, pleasant face brightened with a cheery smile when he saw
Hermione, who was pretending to be interested in a newspaper.

"I am glad to find that two people, at least, have taken my advice," he
said. "Now, Mr. Curtis, I want you for an hour. The various official
inquiries are adjourned till next week, and your presence was dispensed
with. But we are going now to the office of Mr. Otto Schmidt, where we
shall have the pleasure of meeting the Earl of Valletort, Count
Ladislas Vassilan, and, possibly, Monsieur Jean de Courtois. . . . On
no account, young lady," and he turned to Hermione, "must you run away
again during our absence."

"I shall not," said Hermione, so emphatically that they all laughed.

CHAPTER XVI

A PARLEY

Nature was kind that morning. A flood of sunshine greeted Curtis when
he turned into Fifth Avenue with the detective, as the latter had
suggested that they might walk a little way before taking a taxi, there
being plenty of time before the hour fixed for the meeting in Schmidt's
office. It was a morning when life and good health assumed their
fitting places in the forefront of those many and varied considerations
which form the sum of human happiness. The world had suddenly resumed
its everyday aspect of bustle and content. New York smiled at its new
citizen, and the new citizen beamed appreciatively on New York.

"I cannot explain matters to you fully even yet----" Steingall was
saying, when an automobile drew up close to the curb, and a well-known
voice cried joyously:

"Just in time. Where's the fire? There's bound to be a blaze when you
two run in a leash."

Devar bounce