He talked of reformation and a new life, of the honourable and onerous position he now occupied in a reputable Sydney business, and of his approaching marriage with an excellent, middle-aged, maiden lady of means.

Deftly he worked round to a tall, aristocratic woman who had appeared a Mary Queen of Scots at the memorable fancy-dress ball at Whitecliff.
Brother William groaned, sister Jean sat up very straight, and sniffed ominously.

"The creature!" she said.
"That woman was no friend of ours, Nicholas," said brother William, hastily.
"I met her in your house," said Nicholas, "and from a brief conversation I had I was deeply interested.

It has occurred to me lately that if she still holds the same views she would be of vast assistance to my firm in a transaction we are meditating." "Have nothing to do with her," cried William.

"The creature was an adventuress; she worked her way into our confidence with trickery and fraud, presenting herself in society here as a lady of title.