"Why do you want to know what my plans are ?" she asked, suspiciously.

I reminded her in reply that I held the position of English consul, and that my object was, if possible, to be of some assistance to her.

"You can be of the greatest assistance to me," she said, eagerly.

"Find Mercy Merrick!" I saw the vindictive look come back into her eyes, and an angry flush rising on her white cheeks.

Abstaining from showing any surprise, I asked her who Mercy Merrick was.