What first drew your attention to the house ?" "There! That is the second time you have had to remind me to be more direct.

You will not have to do so again, Mr.Gryce.To begin, then, I noticed the house, because I always notice it.

I never pass it without giving a thought to its ancient history and indulging in more or less speculation as to its present inmates.

When, therefore, I found myself in front of it yesterday afternoon on my way to the art exhibition, I naturally looked up, and--whether by an act of providence or not, I cannot say--it was precisely at that instant the inner door of the vestibule burst open, and a young man appeared in the hall, carrying a young woman in his arms.

He seemed to be in a state of intense excitement, and she in a dead faint; but before they had attracted the attention of the crowd, he had placed her on her feet, and, taking her on his arm, dragged her down the stoop and into the crowd of passers-by, among whom they presently disappeared.