r two. Saunders says they are as common as
strawberries in July."

Mr. Bowles, who had resumed his coat of red, joined them in the stroll
about the gardens, pointing out objects of certain interest and telling
the cost of each to the penny.

"I can't conduct you through the chateau," he apologised as they were
returning after the short tour. "They can't close the bank until I set
the balance sheet, sir, and it's now two hours past closing time. It
doesn't matter, however, my lord," he added hastily, "we enjoy anything
in the shape of a diversion."

"See here, Mr.--er--old chap, what are we to do about servants? We can't
get on without them, you know."

"Oh, the horses are being well cared for in the valley, sir. You needn't
worry a bit--"

"Horses! What we want, is to be cared for ourselves. Damn the horses,"
roared his lordship.

"They say these Americans are a wonderful people, my lord," ventured Mr.
Bowles. "I daresay when Mr. and Mrs. Browne arrive, they'll have some
way of--"

"Browne!" cried her ladyship. "This very evening I shall give orders
concerning the rooms they are to occupy. And that reminds me: I must
look the place over thoroughly before they arrive. I suppose, however,
that the rooms we have taken _are_ the best?"

"The choicest, my lady," said Bowles, bowing.

"See here, Mr.--er--old chap, don't you think you can induce the
servants to come back to us? By Jove, I'll make it worth your while. The
place surely must need cleaning up a bit. It's some months since the
old--since Mr. Skaggs died." He always said "Skaggs" after a scornful
pause and in a tone as disdainfully nasal as it was possible for him to
produce.

"Not at all, my lord. The servants did not leave the place until your
steamer was sighted this morning. It's as clean as a pin."

"This morning?"

"Yes, my lord. They would not desert the chateau until they were sure
you were on board. They were extraordinarily faithful."

"I don't see it that way, leaving us like this. What's to become of the
place? Can't I get an injunction, or whatever you call it?"

"What _are_ we to do?" wailed Lady Agnes, sitting down suddenly upon the
edge of a fountain.

"You see, my lady, they take the position that you have no right here,"
volunteered Bowles.

"How absurd! I am heir to every foot of this island--"

"They are very foolish about it I'm sure. They've got the ridiculous
idea into their noddles that you can't be the heiress unless L