clearing of the throat and a preliminary movement of the arms gave
warning that Mrs. Gradinger was going to speak. The unspoken
passage from Racine evidently sat heavily on her chest. Abstracted
and overwrought as he was, these symptoms aroused in Sir John a
consciousness of impending danger, and he rushed, incontinent, into
the breach, before the lady's opening sentence was ready.

"As Colonel Trestrail has just remarked, we, all of us, are in debt
to the Marchesa in no small degree; but, in my case, the debt is
tenfold. I am sure you all understand why. As a slight
acknowledgment of the sympathy I have received from every one here,
during my late trial, I beg to ask you all to dine with me this day
week, when I will try to set before you a repast a la Francaise,
which I hope may equal, I cannot hope that it will excel, the
dinners all'Italiana we have tasted in this happy retreat.
Narcisse and I have already settled the menu."

"I am delighted to accept," said the Marchesa. "I have no
engagement, and if I had I would throw my best friend over."

"And this day fortnight you must all dine with me," said Mrs.
Sinclair. "I will spend the intervening days in teaching my new
cook how to reproduce the Marchesa's dishes. Then, perhaps, we may
be in a better position to decide on the success of the Marchesa's
experiment."

* * * * * * *

The next morning witnessed the dispersal of the party. Sir John
and Narcisse left by an early train, and for the next few days the