had sent him to the
tailor. Quick to make amends for an injustice, he said more amiably:

"That's right. I had forgotten. What did they say?"

"Ze suits will be delivered in half hour."

"Very well. When they come, you will know which trunk to put them in."

"Oui, monsieur."

"And then, when my trunks are ready you had better hustle with your own
packing. There's no time to be lost. The steamer sails at 11 o'clock
to-morrow morning."

"Oui, monsieur."

Quietly, stealthily, the valet retraced his cat-like steps and opening
the door retired as noiselessly as he had come.

CHAPTER III

When the valet had disappeared, Kenneth turned to his wife with a
chuckle.

"Who was right? You made me scold him for nothing."

Helen shook her head.

"I detest the man. There is something crawly and repulsive about him.
I can read evil in his face. Don't trust him, Kenneth. Remember, if
anything goes wrong, don't blame me. I warned you. My instinct seldom
fails."

Her husband laughed and, advancing, put his arm tenderly around his
wife.

"I guess I'm able to take care of myself, dear. Don't let's discuss
Francois any longer. Tell me about yourself. How are you going to
amuse yourself while I'm away?"

Her head drooped on his breast and once more her eyes filled with
tears. With affected carelessness which cost her a great effort, she
replied:

"Oh, the time won't hang so heavy on my hands. It never does when one
has resources within oneself. I'll read and ride and sew. I suppose
I'll have plenty to do."

"Mr. Parker said he would drop in and look after you."

"Yes--tell him to come and see me very often. He's rather tiresome
with his prosy talk, but he's a dear old soul."

With a mischievous twinkle in his eye her husband went on:

"It's not unlikely that Keralio will call, also."

"I hope not," she said quickly. "I'll soon show him he's not wanted."

Kenneth laughed. It amused him to see how set she was against the
Italian. He did not know the man any too well. He had met him in a
business way and the fellow had been of service, but he had not the
slightest idea of making a friend of him. He rather suspected he was
an adventurer although, a stranger in New York, no one knew anything
against him. Protestingly he said:

"It's hardly fair to attack a man because he admires you."

"He shows his admiration in a most offensive way. If you could see the
way he looks at me sometim