Anyhow, I can think of no one else who would do such a thing, or of any reason why Charlie Mershone should do it." Madame Cerise merely grunted.

She was brushing the soft hair with gentle care.
"What could a man gain by stealing a girl?
If it was Mr.Mershone, does he imagine I could ever forget Arthur?
Or cease to love him?
Or that Arthur would forget me while I am away?
Perhaps it's Diana, and she wants to get rid of me so she can coax Arthur back to her side.

But that's nonsense; isn't it, Madame Cerise?
No girl--not even Diana Von Taer--would dare to act in such a high-handed manner toward her rival.
Did you ever hear of Miss Von Taer?
She's quite a society belle.

Have you ever seen her, Madame Cerise ?" The woman vouchsafed no reply to this direct enquiry, but busied herself dressing the girl's hair.

Louise casually turned over the silver-mounted hand mirror she was holding and gave a sudden start.