'You are, perhaps, a friend of M.de Bruhl--of my husband.

In that case, if you desire to leave any message I will--I shall be glad to deliver it.' She looked so charming that, despite the tumult of my feelings, I could not but regard her with admiration.

'Alas! madame, I cannot plead that excuse,' I answered.

'I regret that I have not the honour of his acquaintance.' She eyed me with some surprise.

'Yet still, sir,' she answered, smiling a little, and toying with a gold brooch which clasped her habit, 'you must have had some ground, some reason, for supposing you would find a friend here ?' 'True, madame,' I answered, 'but I was mistaken.' I saw her colour suddenly.