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Chapter 3

There was a time when a man in search of the pleasures of gossip

sought the society of ladies.

The man knows better now.

He goes to the smoking room of his club.

Dr. Wybrow lit his cigar and looked round him at his brethren

in social conclave assembled.

The room was well filled, but the flow of talk was still languid.

The doctor innocently applied the stimulant that was wanted.

When he inquired if anybody knew the Countess Nerona,

he was answered by something like a show of astonishment.

Never the conclave agreed, had such an absurd question been asked before.

Every human creature, with the slightest claim to a place in society,

knew the Countess Nerona.

An adventurous with a European reputation of the blackest possible color,

such as the general description of the woman with the death-like complexion

and the glittering eyes.

Descending to particulars, each member of the club contributed

...