I presume that it was your bag I saw in the _concierge's_ office, when I was there just now ?" "We left it there," she answered, and then gave me my reward by adding--"It is very kind of you, Mr.Fairfax to have taken so much trouble.

I cannot thank you sufficiently." "You must not thank me at all," I replied.

"In helping you I am only doing my duty to my client." I had scarcely said the words before I regretted them.

It was a foolish speech and a churlish one as well.

She pretended not to notice it, however, but bade her maid go down to the _concierge's_ office, and take the bag to the room that had been allotted to her.