If it belonged to a lady of means and a desire to see the lands of this little world, I should approve it very much." She looked at me with eyes slightly narrowed, but no trace of perturbation crossed her face.

I saw it was no ordinary woman with whom we had to do.
"But," I went on, "in any case and at all events, I should say that the bird confined in such a cage, where secrecy is so imperative, would at times find weariness--would, in fact, wish escape to other employment.
You, Madam"-- I looked at her directly--"are a woman of so much intellect that you could not be content merely to live." "No," she said, "I would not be content merely to live." "Precisely.

Therefore, since to make life worth the living there must be occasionally a trifle of spice, a bit of adventure, either for man or woman, I suggest to you, as something offering amusement, this little journey with me to-night to meet my chief.

You have his message.

I am his messenger, and, believe me, quite at your service in any way you may suggest.