LAVERICK AT THE OPERA Laverick, in presenting his card at the box office at Covent Garden that evening, did so without the slightest misconception of the reasons which had prompted Mademoiselle Idiale to beg him to become her guest.

It was sheer curiosity which prompted him to pursue this adventure.

He was perfectly convinced that personally he had no interest for her.

In some way or other he had become connected in her mind with the murder which had taken place within a few yards of his office, and in some other equally mysterious manner that murder had become a subject of interest to her.

Either that, or this was one of the whims of a spoiled and pleasure-surfeited woman.
He found an excellent box reserved for him, and a measure of courtesy from the attendants not often vouchsafed to an ordinary visitor.