A young man came forward and said politely, “What can I do for you, madam?”

“Is Mr. Stormleigh in?”

“Yes, madam.”

“Give him my card.”

“Certainly.”

He returned presently with an invitation to Mrs. Harcourt to follow him.

“Stay here, Edwin, till I return or send for you,” she said, and Ben seated himself in a chair near the window.

In the inner office sat a pleasant-looking man of fifty.

“I am glad to see you, Mrs. Harcourt,” he said rising. “Let me see, how long is it since we met?”

“Five years.”