I advanced a step or two, almost convinced the apartment was unoccupied, when a voice addressed me.
"Under more favorable conditions, Major Lawrence, it would give me pleasure to welcome you to the hospitalities of Elmhurst." I swung about as on a pivot and saw her standing with one hand upon the high back of a chair, her blue eyes smiling merrily.

I felt the hot rush of blood to my cheeks, the quick throb of pulse, with which I recognized her.

I was so surprised that, for the instant, the words I sought to utter choked in my throat.
[Illustration: "You have not suspected ?" she asked.

"You did not know this was my home ?"] "Nothing was farther from my thoughts," I exclaimed hastily.

"All I knew of your home was that it was situated somewhere in the Jerseys.