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your domestic affairs than to pry into the antecedents of your very interesting chauffeur."

A little cloud passed over Kara's face, but it was only momentary.

"Oh, Brown," he said, airily, with just a perceptible pause between the two words.

"It used to be Smith," said T. X., "but no matter. His name is really Poropulos."

"Oh, Poropulos," said Kara gravely, "I dismissed him a long time ago."

"Pensioned him, too, I understand," said T. X.

The other looked at him awhile, then, "I am very good to my old servants," he said slowly and, changing the subject, "to what good fortune do I owe this visit?"

T. X. selected a cigarette before he replied.

"I thought you might be of some service to me," he said, apparently giving his whole attention to the cigarette.

"Nothing would give me greater pleasure," said Kara, a little eagerly. "I am afraid you have not been very keen on continuing what I hoped would have ripened into a valuable friendship,