It was only five o'clock, and he went on up-town to the Dryfooses', though he had been there only the night before last.

He asked for the ladies, and Mrs.Mandel received him.
"The young ladies are down-town shopping," she said, "but I am very glad of the opportunity of seeing you alone, Mr.Beaton.You know I lived several years in Europe." "Yes," said Beaton, wondering what that could have to do with her pleasure in seeing him alone.

"I believe so ?" He involuntarily gave his words the questioning inflection.
"You have lived abroad, too, and so you won't find what I am going to ask so strange.

Mr.Beaton, why do you come so much to this house ?" Mrs.
Mandel bent forward with an aspect of ladylike interest and smiled.
Beaton frowned.

"Why do I come so much ?" "Yes." "Why do I--Excuse me, Mrs.Mandel, but will you allow me to ask why you ask ?" "Oh, certainly.