"Yet you ask me when we are going," he reminded her.

She shivered for a moment.

"It is not my world," she declared. "I am squeezed for a moment into
a little corner of it, but it is not mine and I have nothing to do
with it. She is so beautiful, that woman, and so gracious. She talks
to me out of pity, but when I first came she looked at me and there
was a challenge in her eyes. What did it mean, Arnold? Is she fond
of you? Is she going to be fond of you?"

He laughed, a little impatiently.

"My dear Ruth," he said, "she is my employer's wife. She has been
kind to me because I think that she is naturally kind, and because
lately she has not found among her friends many people of her own
age. Beyond that, there is nothing; there is never likely to be
anything. She mixes in a world where she can have all the admiration
she desires, and all the friends."

"Yet she looks at you," Ruth persisted, in a troubled tone, "as
though she had some claim; as though I, even poor I, were an
interloper for the tiny share I might have of your thoughts or
sympathy. I do not understand it."

He touched her hand lightly with his.

"You are too sensitive, dear," he said, "and a little too
imaginative. You must remember that she is half a foreigner. Her
moods change every moment, and her expression with them. She was
curious to see you. I have tried to explain to her what friends we
are. I am sure that her interest is a friendly one."

A motor horn immediately behind startled them both. They turned
their heads. A very handsome car, driven by a man in white livery,
had swept up the little drive and had come to a standstill in front
of the hall door. From the side nearest to them Count Sabatini
descended, and stood for a moment looking around him. The car moved
on towards the stables. Sabatini came slowly across the lawn.

"Who is it?" she whispered. "How handsome he is!"

"He is Mrs. Weatherley's brother--Count Sabatini," Arnold replied.

He came very slowly and, recognizing Arnold, waved his gray Homburg
hat with a graceful salute. He was wearing cool summer clothes of
light gray, with a black tie, boots with white linen gaiters, and a
flower in his coat. Even after his ride from London he looked
immaculate and spotless. He greeted Arnold kindly and without any
appearance of surprise.

"I heard that you were to be here," he said. "My sister told me of
her little plot. I hope that you approve of my bungalow?"

"I think th