When Miss Carson and her mother stepped out upon the terrace,
the American was standing with his back toward them and was
speaking to the guards who sat cross-legged at the top of the
steps. They showed no sign of surprise at the fact of his
addressing them in their own tongue further than that they
answered him with a show of respect which they had not
exhibited toward those they protected. The American turned as
he heard the footsteps behind him, and, after a startled look
of astonishment, hurried toward the two women, exclaiming,
with every expression of pleasure.

"I had no idea you were stopping here," he said, after the
first greetings were over. "I thought you were somewhere on
the Continent. I am so glad I caught you. It seems centuries
since I saw you last. You're looking very well, Mrs.
Carson--and as for Patty--I am almost afraid of her--I've been
hearing all sorts of things about you lately, Patty," he went
on, turning a smiling countenance toward the girl. "About
your engagements to princes and dukes--all sorts of disturbing
rumors. What a terrible swell you've grown to be. I hardly
recognize you at all, Mrs. Carson. It isn't possible this is
the same young girl I used to take buggy riding on Sunday
evenings?"

"Indeed, it is not. I wish it were," said Mrs. Carson,
plaintively, sinking into a chair. "I'm glad to see you're
not changed, Archie," she added, with a sigh.

"Why, he's very much changed, mother," the girl said. "He's