too small to be deciphered, except near at
hand. Claire saw her companion's eyes contract in an evident effort to
distinguish the words, and immediately moved her position so as to
frustrate his purpose. She did not intend Mr Fanshawe to know her
address! When she was seated in the taxi, however, there came an
awkward moment, for her companion waved the chauffeur to his seat, and
stood by the window looking in at her, with a face which seemed unduly
serious and earnest, considering the extremely slight nature of their
acquaintance.

"Well! I am thankful the box turned up. I shall think of you enjoying
your re-united frocks... Sure you've got everything all right? Where
shall I tell the man to drive?"

For the fraction of a second Claire's eyes flickered, then she spoke in
decided tones.

"`The Grand Hotel.'"

Mr Fanshawe's eyes flickered too, and turned involuntarily towards the
boxes on the roof. What exactly were the words on the labels he could
not see, but at least it was certain that they were not "The Grand
Hotel!" He turned from the inspection to confront a flushed, obstinate
face.

"Do you wish me to give the man that address?"

"I do."

Very deliberately and quietly Mr Fanshawe stepped back a pace, opened
his long coat, and fumbled in an inner pocket for a leather pocket-book;
very quietly and deliberately he drew from one bulging division a
visiting card, and held it towards her. Claire caught the word
"Captain" and saw that an address was printed in the corner, but she
covered it hastily with her hand, refusing a second glance. Captain
Fanshawe leant his arm on the window sash and said hesitatingly--

"Will you allow me to give you my card! As you are a stranger in town
and your people away, there may possibly be--er--occasions, when it
would be convenient to know some man whom you could make of use. Please
remember me if they do come along! It would be a privilege to repay
your kindness to my mother... Send me a wire at any time, and I am at
your service. I hope you _will_ send. Good morning!"

"Good-bye!" said Claire. Red as a rose was she at that moment, but very
dignified and stately, bending towards him in a sweeping bow, as the
taxi rolled away. The last glimpse of Captain Fanshawe showed him
standing with uplifted hat, the keen eyes staring after her, with not a
glint of humour in their grey depths. Quite evidently he meant what he
said. Quite evidently he was as keen t