“We’re not at home, of course.  It’s a singular way, and surely can not be Roman fashion.  It’s not civilized fashion.  But the Continental nobility are so odd.”

In a few minutes the servant, who had been dispatched to say, “Not at home,” returned with the statement that the Baron wished particularly to see Miss Fay on urgent business.

[Illustration:  “TWO OF THEM GRASPED THE STRANGER BY HIS COAT COLLAR.”]

At this extraordinary message Lady Dalrymple and Mrs. Willoughby looked first at one another, and then at Minnie, in amazement.

“I’m sure I don’t know any thing about him,” said Minnie.  “They always tease me so.  Oh, do go and see who he is, and send him away—­please!  Oh, do, please, Dowdy dear!”

“Well, I suppose I had better see the person,” said Lady Dalrymple, good-naturedly.  “There must be some mistake.  How is he dressed?” she asked the servant.  “Is he a military gentleman?  Most of them seem to belong to the army.”

“Yes, my lady.  Zouave dress, my lady.”

At this Mrs. Willoughby and Minnie looked at one another.  Lady Dalrymple went away; and as no other was present, Ethel being, as usual, in her room, Mrs. Willoughby sighed and said,

“I thought that man must know you.”

“Well, I’m sure I don’t know him,” said Minnie.  “I never knew a Zouave officer in my life.”

“It may be Captain Kirby, under an assumed name and a disguise.”

“Oh no, it isn’t.  I don’t believe he would be such a perfect—­monster.  Oh dear!  It’s somebody, though.  It must be.  And he wants me.  Oh, what shall I do?”

“Nonsense!  You need not go.  Aunty will see him, and send him off.”

“Oh, I do so hope he’ll go; but I’m afraid he won’t.”

After a short time Lady Dalrymple returned.

“Really,” said she, “this is a most extraordinary person.  He speaks English, but not at all like an Englishman.  I don’t know who he is.  He calls himself a Baron, but he doesn’t seem to be a foreigner.  I’m puzzled.”

“I hope he’s gone,” said Mrs. Willoughby.

“No—­that’s the worst of it.  He won’t go.  He says he must see Minnie, and he won’t tell his errand.  I told him that he could not see you, but that I would tell you what he wanted, and that you were not at home.  And what do you think he said?”

“I’m sure I don’t know, Dowdy dear.”

“Why, he said he had nothing to do, and would wait till you came back.  And he took his seat in a way that showed that he meant to wait.  Really, I’m quite at a loss what to do.  You’ll have to see him, Kitty dear.”

“What a strange person!” said Mrs. Willoughby.  “It’s so rude.  And don’t you know what he is?  How do you know he isn’t an Italian?”

“Oh, his English, you know.  He speaks it perfectly, but not like an Englishman, you know, nor like a Scotchman either, or an Irishman.  I wonder whether he may not be an American?”