at child
was going to be a nuisance from the very outset."

"What has she done now?" growled the Colonel.

He was lounging in the easiest chair in the room, smoking an excellent
cigar, preparatory to indulging in his afternoon nap. His wife reclined
upon a sofa with a French novel which she had not begun to read. Through
the great windows that opened on to the balcony the sunshine streamed in
a flood of golden light. Rose was seated on the balcony enjoying the
warmth. Lady Grace's eyes rested upon her slim figure in its scarlet coat
as she made reply.

"These people--these Studleys--won't leave her alone. Or else she runs
after them. I can't quite make out which. Probably the latter. Anyhow the
sister--who, I believe is what is termed slightly mental--has asked her
to go to tea in their private sitting-room. I have told her she must
decline."

"Quite right," said the Colonel. "What did she say?"

Lady Grace uttered a little laugh. "Oh, she was very ridiculous and
high-flown, as you may imagine. But, as I told her, I am directly
responsible to her mother for any friendships she may make out here, and
I am not disposed to take any risks. We all know what Mrs. Bathurst can
be like if she considers herself an injured party."

"A perfect she-dragon!" agreed the Colonel. "I fancy the child herself is
still kept in order with the rod. Why, even Bathurst--great hulking
ox--is afraid of her. Billy isn't, but then Billy apparently can do no
wrong."

"She certainly loves no one else," said Lady Grace. "I never met anyone
with such an absolutely vixenish and uncontrolled temper. I am sorry for
Dinah. I have always pitied her, for she certainly works hard, and gets
little praise for it. But at the same time, I can't let her run wild now
she is off the rein for a little. It wouldn't be right. And these people
are total strangers."

"I believe they are of very good family," said the Colonel. "The title is
an old one, and Sir Eustace is evidently a rich man. I had the
opportunity for a little talk with the brother yesterday evening. A very
courteous little chap--quite unusually so. I think we may regard them as
quite passable." His eyes also wandered to the graceful, lounging figure
on the balcony. "At the same time I shouldn't let Dinah accept
hospitality from them, anyhow at this stage. She is full young. She must
be content to stay in the background--at least for the present."

"Just what I say," said Lady Grace. "Of cour