I can always pull out whatever I want. We'll let your people understand
without any bragging.

"I think Lady Annesley-Seton, _née_ Miss Haverstall, whose father's purse
has flattened out like a pancake, will jump for joy when she hears what
you want her to do. But come along, let's have breakfast!"

Overwhelmed, Annesley walked beside him in silence to the almost deserted
restaurant where the latest breakfasters had finished and the earliest
lunchers had not begun.

So the mysterious Mr. Smith was rich. The news frightened rather
than pleased her. It seemed to throw a burden upon her shoulders which
she might not be able to carry with grace. The girl had little
self-confidence; but the man appeared to be troubled with no doubts of
her or of the future. Over their coffee and toast and hot-house fruit, he
began to propose exciting plans, and had got as far as an automobile when
the voice of the Countess surprised them.

She had come close to their table without being heard.

"Good morning!" she exclaimed. "I was going out, but from far off I saw
you two, with your profiles cut like silhouettes against all this glass
and sunshine. I couldn't resist asking how Miss Grayle slept, and if
there's anything I can do for her in the shops?"

As she spoke her eyes dwelt on Annesley's plain toque and old-fashioned
shabby coat, as if to emphasize the word "shops." The girl flushed, and
Smith frowned at the Countess.