"Because of what?" demanded Derrick, staring at him.

"Lavater, Mr. Green, is the author of the best-known work on

physiognomy, and physiognomy teaches us whom to trust and to distrust.

Informed by my knowledge of the science, I know that you are a man to be

trusted, and with this knowledge, I am prepared to befriend you. What

time this evening would you like to meet Miss Grant?"

Derrick regarded the strange youth with a mixture of amusement and

surprise, not untinctured by jealousy.

"You speak, Mr. Rex, as if you held the copyright of Miss Grant," he

said.

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"Don't be offended; I'll explain," said Reggie, leaning back and folding

his arms, and returning Derrick's gaze with one of extreme candour. "You

see, Miss Grant once did me a service----"

"I don't find it difficult to believe that," said Derrick, under his

breath.

"No," said Reggie. "There are a certain number of angels in woman guise

who pace this wicked and weary old world of ours, and you and I happen

to have had the extraordinary luck to meet one. Of course, I see how it

is with you; and I might say that I am in the same boat. It's easy

enough to fall in love with a star in the blue heavens, the Koh-i-noor

diamond, or the second folio of Shakespeare. But I happen to be one of

those few men who realise that the treasures I have spoken of are not

for them. In the words of the poet, 'I worship Miss Grant from afar.' I

kneel at her feet, metaphorically, in the adoration that has no hope of

response or reward. If I am any judge of character--which I beg you to

believe I am--you, my friend, are not placed in the same category;

judging by the salient characteristics of your countenance, I should say

that you hope most considerably."

"You certainly are a most extraordinary young man," said Derrick; "and

your candour is somewhat overwhelming. But you have hit the nail on the

head; and I may as well confess that I am particularly anxious to meet

Miss Grant as soon as possible, and that I accept your proffered aid. As

you have divined, I do not want to go to the Hall, for reasons----"

"Which you are perfectly at liberty to keep to yourself," said Reggie,

blandly. "If, at any time, I should want to learn them, I give you my

word I shall have little difficulty in discovering them. Just at the

present moment, I am impelled by the sole desire to do Miss Grant a

service--and you too; for, if you will permit me to say so, I have taken

a physiognomical fancy to you. Will you shake hands?"




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