Tell me, are you a spy of that man Pakenham ?" Her words and her tone startled me.

I had supposed her bound to Sir Richard by ties of a certain sort.

Her bluntness and independence puzzled me as much as her splendid beauty enraptured me.

I tried to forget both.
"Madam, I am spy of no man, unless I am such at order of my chief, John Calhoun, of the United States Senate--perhaps, if Madam pleases, soon of Mr.Tyler's cabinet." In answer, she turned, hobbled to a tiny marquetry table, and tossed the note down upon it, unopened.

I waited patiently, looking about me meantime.