p-stool. Esther had
more than once met her, racing along, not the least impeded by her
paraphernalia, her black cloak and veil streaming behind her in the
wind.

"Do you know this neighbourhood?" Esther was inquiring, when she
noticed that her companion had stopped stock still and was regarding
with frank curiosity the Rolls Royce, which had just succeeded in
reversing its position.

"I seem to know that car," remarked Miss Paull. "I certainly know the
chauffeur's face. Can it be--yes, now I know." She walked on again
with a satisfied air. "That car belongs to a countryman of mine; he
has a villa over there"--she waved a black-gloved hand--"in the part
that they call La Californie."

"Really!"

Esther's tone was one of lively interest. Now she would hear something.

"He's a Mr. Clifford--or no, he is Sir Charles Clifford now, he was
knighted for something or other during the war. He's a big mill owner
in Lancashire--cotton, you know. Perhaps you've heard of the firm of
Seabrook & Clifford?"

Esther had not.

"No, of course not. I forgot you don't know England. It's an
important firm, though, several big factories. They make the Seacliff
Fabrics. Sir Charles was our Conservative member for years. He has a
place near my home, between Chester and Altringham. I've often seen
him."

"There is a Lady Clifford with the doctor now. What is she--a
daughter-in-law? She's quite young."

"Is she French?"

"Yes."

"Ha! That's his wife. His second wife, of course. He married again
about six years ago, some Frenchwoman he met down in this part of the
world. There was a great deal of excitement about it at the time, the
whole neighbourhood was astonished. It must have been a shock to his
family."

"Then he has a family?"

"Only a son, he lost another boy in the war. And then, of course,
there is a sister, unmarried, about my own age. I've met her sometimes
at charity bazaars and so on."

"Do you know Lady Clifford?"

"Heavens, no! Though I've seen her here in Cannes. I believe she was
an actress."

There was no mistaking Miss Paull's sentiments in regard to the stage.
Esther was secretly amused.

"They spend nearly all their time here now," continued the spinster,
"though whether on account of Sir Charles's health or because his wife
prefers it I can't say. I daresay it wasn't gay enough for her in
Cheshire--not enough distractions. You know how it is with these young
women who marr