withdrew to my private room, and desired that the lady should be immediately admitted.  Greatly was my surprise increased when the graceful and still youthful visitor withdrew her veil, and disclosed the features of the Countess of Seyton, upon whose mild, luminous beauty, as rendered by the engraving from Sir Thomas Lawrence’s picture, I had so frequently gazed with admiration.  That rare and touching beauty was clouded now; and an intense expression of anxiety, fear—­almost terror—­gleamed from out the troubled depths of her fine dark eyes.

“The Countess of Seyton!” I half-involuntarily exclaimed, as with my very best bow I handed her ladyship a chair.

“Yes; and you are a partner of this celebrated firm, are you not?”

I bowed again still more profoundly to this compliment, and modestly admitted that I was the Sharp of the firm her ladyship was pleased to entitle “celebrated.”

“Then, Mr. Sharp, I have to consult you professionally upon a matter of the utmost—­the most vital importance to me and mine.”  Her ladyship then, with some confusion of manner, as if she did not know whether what she was doing was in accordance with strict etiquette or not, placed a Bank of England note, by way of retainer, before me.  I put it back, explaining what the usage really was, and the countess replaced it in her purse.

“We shall he proud to render your ladyship any assistance in our power,” I said; “but I understood the Messrs. Jackson enjoyed the confidence of the house of Seyton?”

“Precisely.  They are, so to speak, the hereditary solicitors of the family more than of any individual member of it; and therefore, though highly respectable persons, unfit to advise me in this particular matter.  Besides,” she added with increasing tremor and hesitation, “to deal with, and if possible foil, the individual by whom I am persecuted, requires an agent of keener sagacity than either of those gentlemen can boast of; sharper, more resolute men; more—­you understand what I mean?”

“Perfectly, madam; and allow me to suggest that it is probable our interview may be a somewhat prolonged one—­your ladyship’s carriage, which may attract attention, should be at once dismissed.  The office of the family solicitors is, you are aware, not far off; and as we could not explain to them the reason which induces your ladyship to honor us with your confidence, it will be as well to avoid any chance of inquiry.”

Lady Seyton acquiesced in my suggestion:  the carriage was ordered home, and Mr. Flint entering just at the time, we both listened with earnestness and anxiety to her communication.  It is needless to repeat verbatim the somewhat prolix, exclamative narration of the countess; the essential facts were as follows:—­