"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?"