For our common sake you will, I am sure, seek to discover the truth." "So far as I can, certainly," Anna replied, "but I must admit that I, like you, find Mr.Norgate a little incomprehensible." "There are men," Selingman declared, "there have been many of the strongest men in history, impenetrable to the world, who have yielded their secrets readily to a woman's influence.

The diplomatists in life who have failed have been those who have underrated the powers possessed by your wonderful sex." "Among whom," Anna remarked, "no one will ever number Herr Selingman." "Dear Baroness," Selingman concluded, as the maid whom Anna had summoned stood ready to show him out, "it is because in my life I have been brought into contact with so many charming examples of your power." * * * * * Once more silence and solitude.

Anna moved restlessly about on her couch.
Her eyes were a little hot.

That future into which she looked seemed to become more than ever a tangled web.

At half-past seven her maid reappeared.
"Madame will dress for dinner ?" Anna swung herself to her feet.