lled by such a man； yet he was forced to admit that she was in good pany … that other well…bred and intelligent women had succumbed just as easily to the Count's fascination。 Men saw through him； women did not。
He sought now for a phrase that would allay any suspicion that his secretary might have felt。
〃Ruth is always changing her mind about things at a moment's notice；〃 he remarked； and then he added in a would…be careless tone； 〃The maid didn't give any … er … reason for this change of plan？〃
Knighton was careful to make his voice as natural as possible as he replied：
〃She said； sir； that Mrs Kettering had met a friend unexpectedly。〃
〃Is that so？〃
The secretary's practised ears caught the note of strain underlying the seemingly casual tone。
〃Oh； I see。 Man or woman？〃
〃I think she said a man； sir。〃
Van Aldin nodded。 His worst fears were being realized。 He rose from his chair； and began pacing up and down the room； a habit of his when agitated。 Unable to contain his feelings any longer； he burst forth：
〃There is one thing no man can do； and that is to get a woman to listen to reason。 Somehow or other； they don't seem to have any kind of sense。 Talk of woman's instinct … why； it is well known all the world over that a woman is the surest mark for any rascally swindler。 Not one in ten of them knows a scoundrel when she meets one； they can be preyed on by any good…looking fellow with a soft side to his tongue