customary travellers' pilgrimage to the
shrines of Titian and Tintoret. After some hours of absence, he found
a letter waiting for him when he got back to the hotel. It was written
by his brother Henry, and it recommended him to return to Milan
immediately. The proprietor of a French theatre, recently arrived from
Venice, was trying to induce the famous dancer whom Francis had engaged
to break faith with him and accept a higher salary.

Having made this startling announcement, Henry proceeded to inform his
brother that Lord and Lady Montbarry, with Agnes and the children,
would arrive in Venice in three days more. 'They know nothing of our
adventures at the hotel,' Henry wrote; 'and they have telegraphed to
the manager for the accommodation that they want. There would be
something absurdly superstitious in our giving them a warning which
would frighten the ladies and children out of the best hotel in Venice.
We shall be a strong party this time--too strong a party for ghosts! I
shall meet the travellers on their arrival, of course, and try my luck
again at what you call the Haunted Hotel. Arthur Barville and his wife
have already got as far on their way as Trent; and two of the lady's
relations have arranged to accompany them on the journey to Venice.'

Naturally indignant at the conduct of his Parisian colleague, Francis
made his preparations for returning to Milan by the train of that day.

On his way out, he asked the manager if his brother's telegram had been
received. The telegram had arrived, and, to the surprise of Francis,
the rooms were already reserved. 'I thought you would refuse to let
any more of the family into the house,' he said satirically. The
manager answered (with the due dash of respect) in the same tone.
'Number 13 A is safe, sir, in the occupation of a stranger. I am the
servant of the Company; and I dare not turn money out of the hotel.'

Hearing this, Francis said good-bye--and said nothing more. He was
ashamed to acknowledge it to himself, but he felt an irresistible
curiosity to know what would happen when Agnes arrived at the hotel.
Besides, 'Mrs. James' had reposed a confidence in him. He got into his
gondola, respecting the confidence of 'Mrs. James.'

Towards evening on the third day, Lord Montbarry and his travelling
companions arrived, punctual to their appointment.

'Mrs. James,' sitting at the window of her room watching for them, saw
the new Lord land from the gondola first.