Albert Kinross

“ She entered, little changed from the woman of last night, was wearing blue instead of yellow.
"Mrs. Hodgson," said the Countess. Harvey bowed. "But she has to take a friend to get their fortunes told."
"Unfortunately," said Mrs. Hodgson.
"Can we spare her?" asked the Countess.
Harvey only smiled—the best thing he could have done.
"Nice face, nice smile; beware!" whispered Mrs. Hodgson at the door. The Countess closed it on her.
They were alone now, and Merceron was looking up at his companion in a rebound of happiness, almost doubting the evidence of his five senses. ”

“ His name?
"Merceron."
"Mr. Mason?"
Harvey, palpitating, was shown Into a room, and waited.
Presently the man returned and deferentially took possession of Harvey's umbrella, then led the way up thickly-carpeted stairs to a charmingly furnished drawing-room.
A middle-aged lady received him. Had he come to the wrong house?
"Dreadful weather, Mr. Marsden." That man had evidently corrupted his name a second time.
"Very," assented Harvey. What did this mean, and where was he?
"Cats and dogs," said Mrs. Hodgson.
"Certainly," said Harvey, his perplexity increasing. ”

“ Carter-Page seemed impressed. He had to play in baulk, and missed.
"Have a cigarette?" said Harvey; "I'm just going over to the reading-room—may see you later on?"
"I 'll come up afterwards; the weather's much too beastly to do anything," said Carter-Page.
"Grasmere—he said Grasmere!" Harvey had rushed upstairs, had pulled down the big directory. "Law—Commercial—Court—Court, that 'll be it... 'Grasmere, Countess of,'" his finger was on the line, he had the direction. Soiled hat and dripping umbrella, what did they matter! ”