Barebone took the painting and examined it with a little nod of recognition.

His memory had not failed after twenty years.
"Who is this lady ?" he asked.
Dormer Colville hesitated.
"Do you know the history of that period ?" he inquired, after a moment's reflection.

For the last hour he had been trying to decide on a course of conduct.

During the last few minutes he had been forced to change it half a dozen times.
"Septimus Marvin, of Farlingford, is one of the greatest living authorities on those reigns.

I learnt a good deal from him," was the answer.
"That lady is, I think, the Duchesse de Guiche." "You think--" "Even Marvin could not tell you for certain," replied Colville, mildly.
He did not seem to perceive a difference in Barebone's manner toward himself.