Earle looked up inquiringly as a handsome young man, with a clever, artistic face, entered the room.
"Am I a coincidence?" inquired the new-comer.
"I did not say that; but, decidedly, your coming is one, Mr. Glynlyn. Allow me to introduce you—Mr. Moray."
The two gentlemen saluted each other with a smile, each feeling attracted by the other's face.
Then Mr. Leslie turned to his brother artist.
"It is strange that you should come in just at this minute, Ross, I was telling Mr. Moray how certain you were that you had seen the original of 'Innocence' in Florence."
"So I did," replied Ross. "You may contradict me as much as you like. It is not probable that I should make any mistake. The lady I saw had precisely the same face as the picture. It was the original herself or her twin sister."
"She has no twin sister," said Earle, incautiously.
"Ah! you know her, then," continued Mr. Glynlyn. "I assure you that I made no mistake. Our friend here may make as much mystery as he will. I am amazed that he should give me such little credit. Why should I say it if it were not true? And how could I possibly mistake that face for any other? If you know the young lady, you can in all probability corroborate what I say—namely, that she is in Florence."
"I cannot do so," said Earle, "for I am perfectly ignorant of her whereabouts."