How little he had done to trace her! Only the one letter. He decided to
write again, this time to Dom Francisco. If only he could talk to
Natalie, what long tours it would take to tell and to hear all! A faint
flush of anticipation was rising to his cheeks when a rap on the door
startled him. Before he could look around Nelton announced, "A lady to
see you, sir."

Lewis leaped to his feet and stepped forward. Had one of the miracles he
had been taught to believe in come to pass? Had prayer been answered?
The lady raised her arms and started to take off her veil. Then she
turned her back to Lewis.

"Do untie it for me," she drawled in the slow voice of Lady Violet
Manerlin.

Lewis felt his face fall, and was glad she had her back to him. He undid
her veil with steady, leisurely fingers.

"This is awfully good of you," he said. "How did you know I was alone?"

"Telephoned Nelton, and told him not to say anything."

Vi took off her hat and jacket as well as her veil, and tossed the lot
into a chair. Then she sat down in a corner of the big couch before the
fire, doubled one foot under her, tapped the floor with the other, and
yawned. Lewis offered her a cigarette, took one himself, and then shared
a match with her.

"It's good of you to take it so calmly," said Vi. "Are you one of the