So to-day Diana was ushered into a pretty parlor where Beth stood calmly awaiting her.
The two regarded one another in silence a moment, Miss De Graf's frank eyes covering the other with a comprehensive sweep while Miss Von Taer's narrowed gaze, profoundly observant, studied the beautiful girl before her with that impenetrable, half-hidden gleam that precluded any solution.
"Miss Von Taer, I believe," said Beth, quietly glancing at the card she held.

"Will you be seated ?" Diana sank gracefully into a chair.

The sinuous motion attracted Beth's attention and gave her a slight shiver.
"I am so glad to meet you, my dear," began the visitor, in soft, purring accents.

"I have long promised myself the pleasure of a call, and in spite of many procrastinations at last have accomplished my ambition." Beth resented the affectation of this prelude, and slightly frowned.
Diana was watching; she always watched.

"Why should you wish to call upon me ?" was the frank demand.