For the moment Verona had forgotten herself and her surroundings. She was no longer a Eurasian, patronised by the wife of her father's employer, but one English woman talking to another on an agreeable equality. "I'm sure you had happy times at Homburg," said Mrs. Lepell, "and of course you went to the Opera at Frankfort?" "Yes, constantly; we used to rush over on a motor car." "And here you come down to bullock carts! Well, if we're not progressive, we're at least picturesque. I hope you brought out a few of the last new books, as well as the last new fashions?" "Yes, I've a fairly good supply, and all this month's magazines." "Then I shall certainly come and borrow from you; I am a ravenous reader, and find it difficult to keep myself going in books. At present I am starving and reduced to back numbers." "I shall be delighted to supply you." "Very well, then," said Mrs. Lepell, rising, "you have no idea how rapacious I can be. I hope you will come and see me as soon as you are settled. I am always at home, from three to five." This was the warmest invitation the stiff-necked little lady had ever accorded to a Chandos; she had never told Dominga she was "at home from three to five." But, then, she neither admired nor pitied Dominga, who was not an interesting acquaintance, merely an emotional, empty-headed half-caste, with a fierce craving for pleasure, and a powerful soprano voice. This new arrival was a totally different person, well-educated, refined, reserved. Alas, poor child! fresh from congenial English society and many agreeable friends, to be cast into the midst of this squalid Eurasian family. What a fate! CHAPTER XVI Mr. and Mrs. Montagu Jones remained to dine with their relations, and Nani Lopez joined the party, invested in the rich satin purple gown which she had purchased for Blanche's wedding; or, more correctly speaking, she wore the flowing skirt, but had substituted for the bodice an easy white jacket, and had coloured her face white to correspond. Verona surveyed her venerable relations with reproachful eyes. _How_ could people, who were naturally dark, imagine it possible to change their skin by merely covering it with layers of pearl powder? "Granny always comes in when we have Blanche," explained Dominga, in a whisper, "because she hears the news. All the same she and Blanche were never good friends. She calls Blanche a silly little bazaar cat." Mr. Chandos, who seemed to spend his entire day in the factory, appeared shortly before dinner and received with surprise the little gifts offered by his English daughter. "Books," he muttered, "now I wonder how you guessed at what I liked best? Books, and a tobacco pouch. My two resources are reading and smoking." "Oh, yess, he is arl-right when he has his pipe and his books," remarked Nani Lopez in her soft fat voice. "He thinks he gets away from his cares; but it is not so. Go to the wilderness, you cannot escape fleas."