ul, but
a hint of what Mrs. Keith called swagger somewhat spoiled his bearing.
She thought he allowed his self-confidence to be seen too plainly. The
girl formed a marked contrast to him; she was short and slender, her
hair and eyes were brown, while her prettiness, for one could not have,
called her beautiful, was of an essentially delicate kind. It did not
strike one at first sight, but grew upon her acquaintances. Her manner
was quiet and reserved and she was plainly dressed in white, but when
she turned and dismissed her companion her pose was graceful. Then she
handed Mrs. Keith some letters and papers.

"I have been to the post-office, and Captain Sedgwick made them search
for our mail," she said. "It came some time ago, but there was a
mistake through its not being addressed to the hotel."

Mrs. Keith took the letters and gave Mrs. Ashborne an English newspaper.

"The bobcat has torn a hole in the basket," the girl went on, "and I'm
afraid it's trying to get at the mink."

"Tell some of the hotel people to take it out at once and see that the
basket is sent to be mended."

The girl withdrew and Mrs. Ashborne looked up.

"Did I hear aright?" she asked in surprise. "She said a bobcat?"

Mrs. Keith laughed.

"I am making a collection of the smaller American animals. A bobcat is
something like a big English ferret. It has high hindquarters, and
walks with a curious jump--I suppose that is how it got its name. I'm
not sure it lives in Canada; an American got this one for me. I find
natural history very interesting."

"I should imagine you found it expensive. Aren't some of the creatures
savage?"

"Millicent looks after them; and I always beat the sellers down.
Fortunately, I can afford to indulge in my caprices. You can consider
this my latest fad, if you like. I am subject to no claims, and my
means are hardly large enough to make me an object of interest to
sycophantic relatives."

"Is your companion fond of attending to wild animals?" Mrs. Ashborne
inquired. "I have wondered where you got her. You have had a number,
but she is different from the rest."

"I suppose you mean she is too good for the post?" Mrs. Keith
suggested. "However, I don't mind telling you that she is Eustace
Graham's daughter; you must have heard of him."

"Eustace Graham? Wasn't he in rather bad odor--only tolerated on the
fringe of society? I seem to recollect some curious tales about him."

"Toward the end