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I sat, both literally and metaphorically, on hot coals Just as I came into the room, the man from the Record Office handed me a letter which had arrived at the hotel while I was out at lunch It was a letter fro important must have happened

My fate, perhaps, was settled, and was in the letter, while I knew it not I tried to get it out of my inside pocket several ti document than any that concerned Zampini's action I pined to open it furtively, and read at least the first few lines A et at the point of this long coe's eyes turned slowly upon me between their half-closed lids, and ued, wily Italian shall have no excuse for proving that the French, who have already such a reputation for frivolity, are a nation without a conscience, incapable of fulfilling the ed

And yet there caan to sort a fresh bundle with the man of records Here was an unlooked-for opportunity I cut open the envelope, unfolded the letter, and found eight pages! Still I began: "MY DEAR FRIEND: "In spite of my anxiety about my mother, and the care her illness deestion of the lungs), I feel bound to tell you the story of what has happened in the Rue Hautefeuille, as it is very important--"

"Excusetoward me, "does the paper you have there happen to be nu for?"

"Oh, dear, no; it's a private letter"

"A private letter? I ask pardon for interrupting you"

He gave a faint smile, closed his eyes to show his pity for such frivolity, and turned away again satisfied, while the other members of the Zampini Commission looked at me with interest

The letter was important So much the worse, I must finish it: "I will try to reconstruct the scene for you, froathered

"The ti There is a knock at Monsieur Plumet's door The door opposite is opened half-way and Madame Plumet looks out She withdraws in a hurry, 'with her heart in her mouth,' as she says; the plot she has formed is about to succeed or fail, the critical moment is at hand; the visitor is her enemy, your rival Dufilleul