For weeks she had been slowly and systematically disguising herself, and she had done it more effectively than would be thought possible by a person who did not appreciate what can be done with cosmetics, instruments, and lotions in these days.
A “beauty doctor� would have gone into transports over her artistic achievements in this way.
Paraffin injections had changed the contour of her whole face, and the shape of her hands had been modified by the same means. Her heavy coils of bronze hair had become dark brown, and she had even practiced speaking in a different cadence, to hide her ordinary tones.
The perfection of the disguise can be understood when it is said that Nick Carter had known the baroness very well under a different name, and would have recognized her instantly had not her real personality been absolutely concealed.
He had learned from Mallory that the baroness had engaged her rooms by telegraph from New Orleans, and that she had particularly stipulated that they should overlook the ocean.
Why had she been so insistent on this, and what had she been doing with that wireless telephone on the window sill?
The dinner over, Nick asked if she would accept a cigarette, at the same time offering his cigarette case.
“Thank you,� she replied sweetly. “I will smoke, but I prefer my own cigarettes, if you will permit me.�
Nick bowed, and drawing forth a cigarette for himself, looked for a match.
“Confound that waiter!� he exclaimed. “There are no matches on the table, and I don’t believe I have one in my pocket.�