d fewer as the years go
by."

"For one like yourself," Mr. Sabin said, "whose instincts and sympathies
are wholly with the democracy, a few months in America would be very
well spent."

"And you," Mr. Brott remarked, "how did you get on with the people?"

Mr. Sabin traced a pattern with his stick upon the marble floor.

"I lived in the country," he said, "I played golf and read and rested."

"Were you anywhere near New York?" Mr. Brott asked.

"A few hours' journey only," Mr. Sabin answered. "My home was in a very
picturesque part, near Lenox."

Mr. Brott leaned a little forward.

"You perhaps know then a lady who spent some time in that
neighbourhood--a Mrs. James Peterson. Her husband was, I believe, the
American consul in Vienna."

Mr. Sabin smiled very faintly. His face betrayed no more than a natural
and polite interest. There was nothing to indicate the fact that his
heart was beating like the heart of a young man, that the blood was
rushing hot through his veins.

"Yes," he said, "I know her very well. Is she in London?"

Mr. Brott hesitated. He seemed a little uncertain how to continue.

"To tell you the truth," he said, "I believe that she has reasons for
desiring her present whereabouts to remain unknown. I should perhaps not
have mentioned her name at all. It was, I fancy, indiscreet of me. The
coincidence of hearing you mention the name of the place where I believe
she resided surprised my question. With your permission we will abandon
the subject."

"You disappoint me," Mr. Sabin said quietly. "It would have given
me much pleasure to have resumed my acquaintance with the lady in
question."

"You will, without doubt, have an opportunity," Mr. Brott said, glancing
at his watch and suddenly rising. "Dear me, how the time goes."

He rose to his feet. Mr. Sabin also rose.

"Must I understand," he said in a low tone, "that you are not at liberty
to give me Mrs. Peterson's address?"

"I am not at liberty even," Mr. Brott answered, with a frown, "to
mention her name. It will give me great pleasure, Duke, to better my
acquaintance with you. Will you dine with me at the House of Commons one
night next week?"

"I shall be charmed," Mr. Sabin answered. "My address for the next
few days is at the Carlton. I am staying there under my family name of
Sabin--Mr. Sabin. It is a fancy of mine--it has been ever since I became
an alien--to use my title as little as possible."

Mr. Brott looked for a mom