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 to him, "What a strange meeting. I had no idea you were staying here."

Several of the other guests now approached.

"I only arrived to-night," he said, quick to grasp her meaning. "I'm just getting over pneumonia," he added for the benefit of the other guests. "When did you come?"

He was rapidly regaining control of his faculties. "This morning," she replied.

It was obvious that the little group of guests and waiters were drinking in this short conversation, quite unconscious that it was for their especial benefit.

"And now," said the girl, "I should advise you to go to bed. I will order something to be sent to your room."

"But" began Beresford weakly.

"When the nurse commands obedience is best," she smiled.

With murmured thanks Beresford rose and, assisted by the maître d'hôtel, walked slowly from the dining-room out into the vestibule, where several groups of guests were standing discussing the incident.

That night he spent in wakefulness. For hours he lay tossing restlessly. Hitherto his one object had been the finding of the Rain-Girl. He had been like Japheth in search of a father. Had Japheth ever thought that the success of his undertaking might involve him in embarrassment? What had