"In Cockspur Street, aren't they?" Shiel asked. "I saw their advertisement in one of the papers. I presume you are not going there alone?" "No!" Gladys laughed, "I shall go with a friend, though I often do go into Town alone. I can assure you I am quite capable of looking after myself. In that respect, at least, I am quite up to date. Probably you are more accustomed to French girls?" "Yes! I have spent most of my life in Paris," Shiel said. "But how could you tell that?" "Oh! I guessed you were an artist--and had probably spent some time in Paris"--Gladys rejoined, "by the way you looked at the house and garden. I could read appreciation in your eyes and gesture; such appreciation, as I knew, could only come from an artist. G.W. Barnett helped me in planning this cottage and the garden." "What! Barnett the landscape painter! I am a great admirer of his work. Were you a pupil of his?" "Yes, he was one of the visiting R.A.'s at the Beechcroft Studio in St. John's Wood, where I worked for three years. We were then living in Blackheath--St. John's Park--a hateful place. Mr. Barnett was awfully good, when I told him we were moving, and that I wanted to live in really artistic surroundings--he suggested that I should be my own architect, and promised to do everything he could to assist me," "And your father hadn't a say in the matter," Shiel commented, with an amused smile. "Not in that," Gladys said complacently, "though there are one or two things in which he has a very decided say. Father can be very self-willed and obstinate, when he likes. But as I was remarking when you interrupted me--" "I beg pardon!" Shiel murmured. "Mr. Barnett promised to assist me. He came over here with me, and we chose this site." "Is he an old man?" Shiel inquired, a trifle anxiously. "Not much more than middle aged--fifty perhaps!" Gladys said, "though he looks much younger. He is still very good-looking. Well! he came over here--we chose this site, and--" "Is he married?" "No! Really you seem very interested in him. Perhaps you will meet him some day: he comes here a good deal. As I was saying, we chose the site together, and he supervized the plans I drew up for the garden and cottage; I don't think, perhaps, I should have thought of that avenue if it hadn't been for him!" "At all events it does you both credit," Shiel remarked, "for a more charming house and garden I have never seen. I should like to live here all my life. I should like--" but he was interrupted by John Martin. "Come, it's time we were off," the latter called out brusquely, "time and trains wait for no man!" "A young ass!" John Martin whispered in Gladys' ear, as the trio passed through the entrance of the railway station on to the platform, "not a bit of good to me. Don't encourage him, whatever you do!"