“Mr. Laurance, I believe, introduced by the American minister.  A countryman of mine, he writes.  As such I am pleased to see you, sir, for when abroad the mere name of American is an open sesame to American sympathy and hospitality.  Pray be seated, Mr. Laurance.  Pardon me, not that stiff-backed ancient contrivance of torture, which must have been invented by Eymeric.  You will find that green velvet Voltaire, like its namesake, far more easy, affording ample latitude.”

The sweet voice rung its silver chimes as clearly as when she trod the stage, and no shadow of the past cast its dusky wing over her proud, pale face, while she gracefully waved him to a seat, and resumed her own.

“If Madame Orme, so recently from home, yields readily to the talismanic spell of ‘American’ she can perhaps imagine the fascination it exerts over one who for many years has roamed far from his roof-tree and his hearthstone; but who never more proudly exulted in his nationality than last night, when as Queen of Tragedy, Madame lent new lustre to the land that claims the honour of being her birthplace.”

“Thanks.  Then I may infer you paid me the tribute of your presence last evening?”

They looked across the table, into each other’s eyes,—­hers radiant with a dangerous steely glitter, his eloquent with the intense admiration which kindled on the previous evening, now glowed more fervently from the contemplation of a beauty that to-day appeared tea-fold more irresistible.  The question slightly disconcerted him.

“I had the honour of accompanying our minister, and sharing his box.”

“Indeed!  I have never had the pleasure of meeting him, and hoped to have seen him to-day, as he fixed this hour for the arrangement of some business details, concerning which I was advised to consult him.  One really cannot duly appreciate American liberty until one has been trammelled by foreign formalities and Continental police quibbles.”

An incredulous smile, ambushed in his silky moustache, was reflected in his fine eyes, as he recalled the flattering emphasis with which she had certainly singled out his face in that vast auditory, and, thoroughly appreciating his munificent inheritance of good looks, he now imagined he fully interpreted her motive in desiring to ignore the former meeting.

“Doubtless hundreds who shared with me the delight you conferred by your performance last night would be equally charmed to possess my precious privilege of expressing my unbounded admiration of your genius; but unfortunately the impression prevails that my charming countrywoman sternly interdicts all gentleman visitors, denies access even to the most ardent of her worshippers, and I deem myself the most supremely favoured of men in having triumphantly crossed into the enchanted realm of your presence.  Of this flattering distinction I confess I am very proud.”

It was a bold challenge, and sincerely he rued his rashness, when, raising herself haughtily, she answered in a tone that made his cheeks tingle: