"In the first place, I want you to present me, at the first opportunity, to Madame di Negra. You say she wished to know me."
"Are you serious?"
"Yes."
"Well, then, she receives this evening. I did not mean to go; but when my party breaks up"—
"You can call for me at 'The Travellers.'—Do!
"Next—you knew Lady Jane Horton better even than I did, at least in the last year of her life." Harley sighed, and Egerton turned and stirred the fire.
"Pray, did you ever see at her house, or hear her speak of, a Mrs Bertram?"
"Of whom?" said Egerton, in a hollow voice, his face still turned towards the fire.
"A Mrs Bertram; but Heavens! my dear fellow, what is the matter? Are you ill?"
"A spasm at the heart—that is all—don't ring—I shall be better presently—go on talking. Mrs——why do you ask?"