I have wished to meet you quietly, if such may be your pleasure.

I am alone.

Opportunity has lacked for earlier announcement, for I have but reached town this evening." She looked from one to the other still questioningly.

The manager of the hotel, feeling discretion to be the best card to play, hurriedly bowed, and hastened away.
The Countess St.Auban hesitated for an instant, but guessed some errand here worth knowing.

Having herself entered the inner room, with grace she signified that the elderly gentleman should first be placed; then, seating herself upon a divan somewhat nearer to the door and hence in shadow, she waited for him to go forward with the business which had brought him hither.
"Madam," he went on, "my dear Countess, I could but overhear you refer to my own name.