"'Our encounter is of so unexpected a nature that I am sure you will excuse me if for a few minutes I detain you. I can scarcely hope to have so excellent an opportunity again.'
"'I can only say that I am tired.'
"'There are a few matters here in which you cannot fail to take an interest.'
"He turned to the things which he had placed upon his desk.
"'Here is a revolver.'
"He took one in his hand and held it out to me. You know, dear mamma, I am not nervous as a rule, but when he did that a creepy, crawly feeling went all over me.
"'I purchased it to shoot the Baron. It is perhaps as well that he is left behind. I might have used it yet.'
"There was something in his eyes I did not like. In an ordinary case I should have said his language was absurd. But my position was peculiar.
"'You are under a misapprehension, Mr. Pearson. The Baron d'Ardigny is not my husband.'
"'Not your husband!'