femininity that every man loves. Anything more intoxicatingly delicious
Merriton had never seen outside of his own dreams.

"It was certainly ripping of you both to come," he said nervously,
feeling all hands and feet. "Never saw such a lonely spot in all my life,
by George, as this house! It fairly gives you the creeps!"

"Indeed?" Brellier laughed in a deep, full-throated voice. "For my part
the loneliness is what so much appeals to me. When one has spent a busy
life travelling to and fro over the world, m'sieur, one can but
appreciate the peaceful backwaters which are so often to be found in this
very dear, very delightful England of yours. But that is not the mission
upon which I come. I have to thank you, sir, for the great kindness and
consideration you displayed to my niece yesterday."

His English was excellent, and he spoke with the clipped, careful accent
of the foreigner, which Merriton found fascinating. He had already
succumbed to something of the same thing in Antoinette. He was beginning
to enjoy himself very much indeed.

"There was no need for thanks--none at all.... What is your opinion of
the Towers, Miss Brellier?" he asked suddenly, leaning forward toward
her, anxious to change the conversation.

She shrugged her shoulders.

"That is hardly a fair question to ask!" she responded, "when I have been
in it but a matter of five minutes or more. But everything to me is
enchanting! The architecture, the furnishings, the very atmosphere--"