I did my best to follow his advice, though it was not altogether an easy business. When one has fallen in love for the first time, suddenly come into a fortune, and just escaped being murdered, even the best disciplined mind is apt to prove a little restive. However, in spite of my headache I managed at last to sink into a welcome state of drowsiness, which lasted until well on into the afternoon. About five o'clock a steward brought me another light meal. By this time I was feeling distinctly better, and, after I had done justice to the food and enjoyed a comfortable pipe, I dropped off into a really sound sleep without any further difficulty. It was broad daylight when I awoke again, to find Ross, fully dressed in shore-going kit, standing beside my bunk. "Had a good night?" he enquired kindly. "Not so bad," I said, stretching myself with a yawn. "What time is it?" "Nearly nine," he answered. "I looked in after tea yesterday, but you were well down to it then, so I didn't disturb you. Headache better?" "It's more than better," I said thankfully. "It's gone." "Well, don't presume on it. Take things nice and easy this morning. Just potter around and order the car, and write and tell this prize-fighter gentleman of yours that we're coming down to inspect the island to-morrow. You had better give him instructions to wash the dog and shave himself properly. There's nothing like putting servants in their right place to start with." "You needn't bother," I said with some dignity. "I know what's due to my position." He took himself off with a parting chuckle, and, rolling out of my bunk, I made my way to the bathroom, where a refreshingly cold tub put the finishing touch to my complete recovery. I was returning along the corridor when I ran into the steward, who was coming towards me with a note in his hand. "I was looking for you, sir," he announced. "A special messenger has just brought this letter aboard. He said there was no answer." He handed me the envelope, which I glanced at with some curiosity. It was addressed in a hand that was quite unfamiliar to me--a small, clear writing with a good deal of character about it. "I hope you're better, sir?" the man added politely. "Yes, thanks," I said. "I am quite all right this morning. You can lay breakfast for me in the saloon; I shall be along in about a quarter of an hour." I turned into the cabin, and throwing my towel and sponge on to the table, I slit open the envelope and pulled out its contents. One glance at the signature sent a queer, familiar thrill trickling through my heart. "DEAR MR. DRYDEN,--There is something which I feel I ought to say to you, but I cannot very well tell you in a letter. If you are still on the ship and you get this note in time, will you meet me outside the Dover Street Tube Station at half-past two this afternoon? I shall not keep you more than a few minutes. "Yours sincerely, "CHRISTINE DE RODA."