"Which means?" "That I am a dangerous woman of the world, who gives nothing and takes everything--with a grain of salt. I warn you, I've changed." "Unquestionably," said I, "you have had a violent love-affair. That is as plain as is the dainty nose upon your charming face." Adele regarded me with a dazzling smile. "I forgot," she said, "that I was addressing an expert. Tell me, d'you think I shall get over it?" "If you don't," said I, "it shan't be my fault." "You're very good." "Not at all," said I. "Can you spell 'homoeopathy'?" * * * * * For a man who had just parted with the home of his fathers, poor old Sir Anthony was in high spirits. Lock, stock and barrel, Merry Down had been sold to the highest bidder. Of that there was no manner of doubt. What was more to the point was that the purchaser, who had paid a good price, was of English blood, and had known Derry Bagot at Eton, and soldiered with him first in South Africa and afterwards in France. The place had passed into good clean hands and was to be well cared for. "A very civil fellow," said Sir Anthony, whom we had brought back to White Ladies to tea, "and a sportsman. I'm truly thankful. Spoke so nicely of Derry--said he'd always looked up to him and he was proud to think he was to carry on his--his home." His voice faltered, and something of the old stricken look hung for an instant in the keen grey eyes. The next moment it was ousted by the flash of victory, and they were bent upon me. "So you deported the alien to Ramilly? Gad, but I'd 've liked to see the terrier bring him down." As he spoke there was the noise of a familiar scamper, and a moment later Nobby had hurled himself across the terrace into my lap and was licking my face with an enthusiastic violence which could not have been more pronounced if he had not seen me for years. And in his wake came Berry. I had told Sir Anthony that, if he desired to thank any one, he must thank my brother-in-law, because, but for the latter's quick wit. Merry Down would have fallen into the enemy's hands. But, when the old baronet had clapped him upon the back, Berry nodded at me. "I believe," he said, "I was the first to conceive the felony. That comes of being a magistrate. But that's the merchant who carried it out. Largely at my expense, I admit. But that's a matter for him and me to settle. I tell you, Sir Anthony, you must thank him--and the--er--hell-hound. A more masterly display of devilry I never witnessed." He sank into a chair. "Let refreshment be brought me." Daphne blew him a kiss. "One moment, old chap. Did the servants see you come in?" Her husband nodded. "Then there'll be some fresh tea in a moment. And now, what happened? We're simply wild to hear." "Yes," cried Jill eagerly. "And did you really call him 'Stunkenblotch'? And what happened to his boot? And where----"