ite with some one else.

Mr. Stoendyck turned his back on her completely, and said to Daphne--

"Very charming, those motor-veils, and the whole costume. At the same
time, while being thoroughly practical and sensible, it is, if I may say
so, extremely becoming."

He bowed with a condescending air, and went on--

"The English young girl--at least, such specimens as I have seen in the
neighbourhood, especially in the country--seems to me a wonderfully
beautiful object. In Belgium we are getting on, but we have not reached,
as yet, the point of freedom combined with modesty that you constantly
see over here. Particularly, as I say, in rural districts."

He then made what can only be described, vulgarly, as a distinct 'eye.'

Both the Campbells looked uneasy.

"The Prebendary will be in soon," said Mrs. Campbell. "He promised
faithfully to come back to tea to-day. He also is a very busy man. He
come in soon," she spoke reassuringly.

Daphne was suddenly taken with a _fou rire_ and began to laugh
helplessly. Val, seeing her condition, and knowing that when she once
started there was no hope but in immediate flight, took leave.

They were cordially asked to come again by Mrs. Campbell. But Mr.
Stoendyck invited them to lunch, and wanted to fix a day and hour. Mrs.
Campbell, however, declined his invitation for them. Mrs. Wyburn, she
said, must have a great many engagements.

They left Stoendyck standing in the hall, looking sentimental.

"All foreigners not of the Latin race go on like that," said Val, as
they drove back. "They may be scientific, or soldiers, philosophers, or
musicians, but if they're Germans or Belgians or Austrians, or anything
of that sort, they always get bowled over by a young girl, a blue
ribbon, plumpness, or fair hair."

"But I'm very thin and dark," said Daphne angrily.

"I don't care if you are. You're a pretty girl, you're unmarried, you've
got blue chiffon round your head--and there it is.... I don't mean
Prussian officers, of course."

"_They_ would appreciate _you_, I suppose you mean!"

"One can't say. They'd probably take on anything."

Valentia took out the little looking-glass from her motor-bag, looked at
it, put it back, and added--

"Anything possible, I mean."

"Go on, Val."

"Go on how?"

"Telling me things. You're so interesting, you know such a lot. Now,
about the Latin races--wouldn't they like--er--me?"

"Of course they would. But they'd like you better if