o at the nape of the neck.

The two women in the smaller car also had red hair. They were not
veiled, and their neat black hats and jackets somehow advertised them
unmistakably as ladies' maids. Neither was pretty, in spite of her
flaming crown of glory; and neither was young.

The remembrance of an "interview" with Mrs. Bal which I had read in some
paper flashed back to my mind. She had told the reporter that "only
red-haired servants could understand the moods of a red-haired
mistress," and that, after disastrous experiences with "dull creatures
who had no temperament themselves, and couldn't live with any one who
had," she decided to engage only red-haired maids.

Perhaps Somerled knew of this idiosyncrasy, or else he recognized the
tall form in spite of its wrappings, for he said, "Yes, I think very
likely it is your mother, Barrie. But we can't be sure; and in any case
I strongly advise you not to try and speak to her here in the street."

"Oh, I won't till she gets her veil off," said Barrie breathlessly, "but
I must wait and see her come into the hall. I----"

Somerled gently but firmly drew the girl into the hotel. Mrs. James and
I followed. Evidently Somerled wanted to persuade Barrie that it would
be better to keep out of the lady's way as she entered, and meet later,
if indeed this were Mrs. Ballantree MacDonald; but the girl seemed
hardly to hear his murmured arguments. She did yield far enough to let
him lead her a little aside, but she took up her stand again where she
could see the blue figure enter. She did not speak, or insist upon her
own way, yet I think it would have been impossible to move her without
using brute force. Somerled realized that nothing was to be done with
the child for the moment, and accordingly did nothing, except to stand
beside her. Mrs. James and I took our places mechanically on the girl's
other side, though no word passed between us.

Never had I seen Barrie so beautiful. Though a brilliant colour burned
on her cheeks, she looked curiously spiritual. Her lovely body seemed a
crystal lamp through which shone the light of an eager soul.

A minute of this silent suspense, and the lady in the blue-gray cloak
came in, followed by the two red-haired maids carrying such valued
possessions as no hotel porter must be allowed to touch: little
handbags, gold monogrammed; a long coat of blue Russian fox;
silk-covered air cushions, and delicately bound books. Behind came
employes of