I finished up much sooner than I thought I should. I found I could get
a passage on the _Berengaria_, and I can tell you I didn't waste much
time saying good-bye. Out where I've been, in the West, it's ten below
zero, with the wind cutting like a knife. People can abuse the Riviera
all they like, but after that sort of thing it seems like Heaven."

He glanced out at the town appreciatively, throwing back his coat.
Then he turned again to his aunt.

"I thought you always had Cromer when you wanted any doctoring?" he
said.

"So we did, but he got so very fashionable we felt he didn't give us
much attention. Too many kings and queens, you know! Then we heard of
this other man through Captain Holliday. You remember Arthur Holliday?"

"Do I not?"

Her nephew made a slight grimace.

"Oh, I know you never cared for him, but this is quite apart from
anything personal. You see, when Arthur was so terribly damaged from
that last smash of his, he met this Dr. Sartorius out in Algeria. He
was absolutely a wreck; none of the doctors who had seen him could do
anything more for him. Well, this doctor took hold of him,
experimented on him, and really made him over. I'm not exaggerating,
the result was a miracle, everyone will tell you so. It was enough to
give one enormous confidence in the man."

"Well, I'm glad you've got him."

"Yes, I'm thankful. He's unattractive to meet, indeed he is rather an
odd, cold-blooded creature--a scientist mainly--but what does that
matter if he is really so able?"

Roger nodded. Then, after a pause, he inquired casually, but in a
faintly altered tone:

"And how is She?"

"Therese?" his aunt returned, understanding at once. "I was going to
tell you. Do you know she has been so charming lately, that I am
beginning quite to like her?"

"No!"

He raised incredulous eyebrows.

"It's true. Her whole disposition is improved. She is so changed that
except for just a little petulance now and then, which I'm sure she
doesn't mean, she's--she's---- But you'll see for yourself."

"I can't believe it."

"I knew you wouldn't. But you'll see. She is nicer to Charles than
she has ever been since just at the first."

"I am astonished! How long has she been so angelic?"

"Let me see--oh, about two months, I believe."

"Not very long, then."

"It began before Christmas. Before that we had a dreadful time. She
and your father had a frightful quarrel. I wish I hadn't bee