surface bright."

Annesley did not like the persistent way in which he spoke of himself
as a black sheep who, at best, could be whitened, and trained not to
disgrace the fold; yet it piqued her interest. Books said that women had
a weakness for men who were not good and she supposed that she was like
the rest. He was so dear and chivalrous that certain defiant hints as to
his lack of virtue vaguely added to the spice of mystery which decorated
the background of the picture--the vivid picture of the "stranger
knight."

When they had been for three days in the best suite at the Knowle Hotel,
and had made several short excursions with the motor, he asked the girl
if she "felt like getting acquainted with her cousins."

She did not protest as she had at first. Already she knew her Knight
well enough to be assured that when he resolved to do a thing it was
practically done. She had had chances to realize his force of character
in little ways as well as big ones; and she understood that he was bent
on scraping acquaintance with Lord and Lady Annesley-Seton. Had he not
decided upon Sidmouth the instant she mentioned their ownership of a
place in the neighbourhood? She had been certain that he would not
neglect the opportunity created.

"How are we to set about it?" was all she said.

"Oh, Valley House is a show place, I suppose you know," replied Knight.
"I've looked it up in the local guide-book. It's open to the public three
days a week. Any one with a shilling to spare can see the ancestral
portraits and treasures, and the equally ancestral rooms of your