The face was almost mephistophelian in effect.

He had painted her portrait! Was the man an impostor?
I asked myself.
"The Count is an artist himself, you know," said Miss Paddington.
"Yes--an artist ?" asked Rayel in a half-incredulous tone.

Then he looked inquiringly at the gentleman referred to, as if doubtful of his own understanding of the words he had repeated.
"Yes," said the Count with emphasis.

"For twenty years I have devote myself to ze art." "To what art, sir ?" asked Rayel, in a tone suggesting doubt.
I was now thoroughly frightened at the serious turn of the dialogue.

Was this "Count" a pretender and one of the many bogus noblemen of whom I had read?
Rayel was sounding him, that was quite evident.