CHAPTER II.
One sunny afternoon, a hansom drove at great speed along Belsize Avenue, St.John's Wood, and stopped before a large mansion.

A young lady sprang out; ran up the steps, and rang the bell impatiently.

She was of the olive complexion, with a sharp profile: dark eyes with long lashes; narrow mouth with delicately sensuous lips; small head, feet, and hands, with long taper fingers; lithe and very slender figure moving with serpent-like grace.

Oriental taste was displayed in the colors of her costume, which consisted of a white dress, close-fitting, and printed with an elaborate china blue pattern; a yellow straw hat covered with artificial hawthorn and scarlet berries; and tan-colored gloves reaching beyond the elbow, and decorated with a profusion of gold bangles.
The door not being opened immediately, she rang again, violently, and w as presently admitted by a maid, who seemed surprised to see her.
Without making any inquiry, she darted upstairs into a drawing-room, where a matron of good presence, with features of the finest Jewish type, sat reading.

With her was a handsome boy in black velvet, who said: "Mamma, here's Henrietta!" "Arthur," said the young lady excitedly, "leave the room this instant; and don't dare to come back until you get leave." The boy's countenance fell, and he sulkily went out without a word.
"Is anything wrong ?" said the matron, putting away her book with the unconcerned resignation of an experienced person who foresees a storm in a teacup.