But while he was doubting,--at any rate before he had resolved upon denying his presence,--the man was there, inside his room.

Mr.Wharton got up from his chair, hesitated a moment, and then gave his hand to the intruder in that half-unwilling, unsatisfactory manner which most of us have experienced when shaking hands with some cold-blooded, ungenial acquaintance.

"Well, Mr.Lopez,--what can I do for you ?" he said, as he reseated himself.

He looked as though he were at his ease and master of the situation.

He had control over himself sufficient for assuming such a manner.