It is not my custom to explain." Lucian shrugged his shoulders, and said no more until they entered the shop in Bayswater.

As he knew from the previous visit where the saleswoman was located, he led the Count rapidly to the place.

The girl was there, as brisk and businesslike as ever.

She looked up as they approached, and came forward to serve them, with a swift glance at both.
"I am sorry to trouble you again," said Lucian ceremoniously, "but you told me yesterday that you sold a blue cloak, lined with rabbit skin, to an Italian gentleman, and--" "And am I the gentleman ?" interrupted Ferruci.

"Did I buy a cloak ?" "No," replied the shopwoman, after a sharp glance.