"Waddy has gone off to her sister. Isn't it strange how perfectly she trusts you? Before we came home, I had five or six different invitations in Italy, and she would let me accept none of them. There was the old Contessa De Nienti, she wanted me to stay with her, but Waddy said her only friends were men of doubtful reputation, and her house was not a fit one for a young girl. And one or two of my men friends wanted me to go and stay with their people, and there was a Mother Superior in the convent near. She wanted me as a guest, but Waddy would have none of them. I suppose it is because you're so English, and your home is an English one, like the story-books! Oh, it is sweet to-day! I think I shall be very happy here." She paused, then added with twinkling eyes: "I and Mousie—we shall enjoy ourselves. But you will not spoil me. I mean to be a working woman, a hard-working woman, and I must train for it. Out in all weathers—they say you have torrents of rain perpetually—and up early and many hours without food. I have thought it all out." "You are not fit to rough it," said Mrs. Wharnecliffe, glancing at the slim, delicate-looking girl with perplexed eyes. "If you had an accident to your car, on a lonely road, what could you do?" "A good deal. If it was a burst tyre, I could replace it; if the engine was too hot, I would cool it. If there were any strain or breakage of any part of the engine or valves, I would make for the nearest garage. I understand the making of the car. And I'm wiry and strong as iron—ask Waddy. I love machinery. If I had been a boy, I should have been a civil engineer." Mrs. Wharnecliffe let her talk on all about herself. She wanted to get at the girl's mind. Every now and then she astonished her. After tea she went out to the garage to speak to the chauffeur about her car, then she was taken to her room by her hostess, and she stayed there enjoying the dainty comfort of her surroundings till the dinner gong sounded. There was no lack of conversation during the meal. Gentian talked amusingly about her first arrival in England and Mrs. Wharnecliffe proved herself a sympathetic listener. When it was over they went back to the drawing-room and at her hostess' request the girl went to the piano and began playing so softly and sweetly in the dusky twilight, that Mrs. Wharnecliffe was charmed. "Oh," she said, "you ought to do something with your music. I should like you to come over one day to a blind friend of mine. He is a great musician and has an organ in his hall which he plays himself. I should like you to know him. Anyone can drive a car, but it is not every one who can play as you do." "The Mother Superior wanted me to be their organist. They had such a lovely organ in their chapel, but though I went to a convent school, I never became a Roman Catholic. It does not appeal to me. Waddy says I have too modern a mind. I don't like anybody between me and God." She spoke in a hushed voice.