ake a
carriage to-night; it is so fine, and, besides, it is not very far."

He so seldom interfered or negatived any suggestion that Sylvia felt a
little surprised, the more so that it was really a long walk from the
Casino to the lonely Chalet des Muguets. But as Madame Wachner had nodded
assent to her husband's words, their English guest said no more.

They started out into the moonlit night, Sylvia with her light, springing
step keeping pace with L'Ami Fritz, while his wife lagged a step behind.
But, as was usual with him, M. Wachner remained silent, while his
companions talked.

To-night, however, Madame Wachner did not show her usual tact; she began
discussing the two travellers who were now well started, no doubt, on
their way to Switzerland, and she expressed contemptuous surprise that
the Comte de Virieu had left Lacville.

"I am glad 'e 'as gone away," she said cheerfully, "for the Count is what
English people call so supercilious--so different to that excellent Mr.
Chester! I wonder Mr. Chester was willing for the Count's company. But
you 'ave not lost 'im, my pretty Sylvia! 'E will soon be back!"

As she spoke she laughed coarsely, and Sylvia made no answer. She thought
it probable that she would never see the Comte de Virieu again, and the
conviction hurt intolerably. It was painful to be reminded of him now,
in this way, and by a woman who she knew disliked and despised him.

She suddenly felt sorry that she had accepted the Wachner's invitation.

To-night the way to the Chalet des Muguets seemed longer than usual--far
longer than it had seemed the last time Sylvia had walked there, when
Count Paul had been her companion. It seemed as if an immense time had
gone by since then....

Sylvia was glad when at last the three of them came within sight of the
familiar white gate. How strangely lonely the little house looked,
standing back in the twilit darkness of a summer night.

"I wonder"--Sylvia Bailey looked up at her silent companion, L'Ami Fritz
had not opened his lips once during the walk from the Casino, "I wonder
that you and Madame Wachner are not afraid to leave the chalet alone for
so many hours of each day! Your servant always goes away after lunch,
doesn't she?"

"There is nothing to steal," he answered shortly. "We always carry all
our money about with us--all sensible people do so at Lacville and at
Monte Carlo."

Madame Wachner was now on Sylvia's other side.

"Yes," she interposed,