Still, I do think I am entitled to go a little further into the matter, as you said, without committing myself." "To be sure you are." But this time he remained standing; and for once he kept those mesmeric eyes to himself.

Obviously, Rachel was to have a chance.
"You spoke of your own country," she began.

"Do you live abroad ?" There was the least suspicion of eagerness in the question.

Rachel herself was unaware of it; not so Mr.Steel, and he sighed.
"A mere figure," he said; "what I meant was my own country-side." "And where is that ?" "In the north," he replied vaguely.

"Did you look twice at my card?
Well, here is another, if you will do me that honor now.