ahead,
smooth as the softest velvet, a sight so rare and refreshing to the eye
that Claire could not restrain her delight.

"But how charming! How unexpected! I never saw a lane so swept and
garnished. It has a wonderful effect, those two long lines of sward.
It _is_ sward! grass is too common a word. But what an amount of work!
Twenty maids with twenty mops sweeping for half a year.--I think the
whole neighbourhood ought to be grateful to the owner of this land."

Mrs Fanshawe beamed, complacently.

"I'm glad you think so. _I_ am the owner! This is my property, mine
for my lifetime, and my son's after me. It's one of my hobbies to keep
the lane mown. I like to be tidy, outside as well as in. Erskine began
by thinking it a ridiculous waste of work, but his friends are so
enthusiastic about the result, that he is now complacently convinced
that it was entirely his own idea. That's a man, my dear! Illogical,
self-satisfied, the best of 'em, and you'll never change them till the
end of time... What's your opinion of men?"

"I rather--like them!" replied Claire with a _naivete_ which kept her
listener chuckling with amusement until the lodge gates were reached,
and the car turned into the drive.

The house was less imposing than the grounds, just a large comfortable
English country house, handsome and dignified, but not venerable in any
way. The hall was good, running the entire length of the house, and
opening by tall double doors on to the grounds at the rear. In summer
these doors were kept open, and allowed a visitor a charming vista of
rose pergolas and the blue-green foliage of an old cedar. All the walls
of the house from top to bottom were painted a creamy white, and there
was noticeable a prevailing touch of red in Turkey carpets, cushion-
covers, and rose-flecked chintzes.

Tea was served on a verandah, and after it was over Mrs Fanshawe
escorted her visitor round the flower gardens, and finally upstairs to
her own bedroom, where she was left with the announcement that dinner
would be served at eight o'clock. After dinner the ladies played
patience, drank two glasses of hot-water, and retired to bed at ten
o'clock. It was not exciting, but on the other hand it was certainly
not dull, for Mrs Fanshawe's personality was so keen, so youthful in
its appreciation, that it was impossible not to be infected, and share
in her enjoyment.

The next week passed quickly and pleasantly. The weather wa