Gentian was with them. She wore a simple white gown. The only colour about her was that of the arresting blue of her eyes. But as Vernon Buchan came swiftly forward to greet his aunts, his eyes only took in one picture, that of the slim white girlish figure with the piquant oval face, the sunny cloud of hair and the wonderful eyes. She was introduced to him, and for a moment he wondered how she came there. Miss Anne quietly enlightened him. "Miss Brendon looks after me, and drives me out in the afternoon. In these days we have lady chauffeurs. It was some time before I became accustomed to the idea." Gentian said to herself with mutinous lips: "And now I am put in my place and must stay there." But Vernon was so talkative, and his conversation was so interesting, that she could not stay mute for long, and when she heard that he had only just arrived from Italy and had been to Capri three days before leaving, she clasped her hands in eager delight. "Oh, tell me! It was my home for so many years. Tell me how it looks. Where did you stay? I know every one. And is Luigi still the first to come and offer to take you and your luggage to the Engleesh-speaking hotel?" He laughed gaily. Miss Anne could as soon stop the current of a river towards the sea as the animated talk which followed between the two young people. Before dinner time came, Vernon was well acquainted with Gentian's history, but he did not devote himself entirely to her; he only took good care to include her in conversation with his two aunts. It was a lovely summer evening. In the big drawing-room later on, Gentian went to the piano. It was her custom to play to Miss Anne for half an hour every night. Vernon sat by the open window, and listened with his heart in his eyes. "But your music is divine!" he exclaimed. "You have the soul of a true artist. I have my violin. I never go anywhere without it. Will you accompany me?" "I don't know that I can," said Gentian simply, "but I will try." Horatia smiled grimly when she saw them settle themselves at the piano for the rest of the evening. Gentian was quick at reading at sight. Her touch and her execution entranced Vernon. At last Miss Anne intervened. "Please let us enjoy your society, Vernon. I think you had better practise in the mornings. Too much music makes my head ache. Oh, don't apologize, but it is nearly ten o'clock and I want to hear a great deal from you. How is your sister, and where is she?" "Oh, she has a flat in town." Vernon put by his violin with reluctance. "I'm staying with her. I had to hurry back, for I have one or two recitals coming off before the season closes." "Is her husband with her?"