"Oh, indeed, how we should!" said Annie, a bitter sigh of regret filling her heart, for what might she not have made of such a supreme opportunity? "But," she added quickly, "you would not have known me then, would you? You would never have known me but for Mabel." "It is one of the very luckiest things that could have happened to me-- Mabel wishing that you might join us," said Lady Lushington. "You are the comfort of my life; you are worth fifty Parkers and a hundred Mabels. Yes, is the exact right angle for the pillow, my dear. Thank you so much--thank you; that is delicious, and I think I will have a biscuit. What a glorious view we have of Monte Rosa from the window!" "Oh yes," said Annie, "isn't it lovely?" "By the way, Annie, you are quite sure that Mabel is taking care of those pearls of hers. We have to thank you too, you clever little thing, for discovering them. I am quite under the impression that I have come by a good bargain in that matter." "I am sure you have, dear Lady Lushington; and the pearls are quite, quite safe." "I knew you would see to it, dear; you are so thoughtful about everything. By the way, I have already seen on the visitors' list the name of a certain Mrs Ogilvie. If she is my friend I should like to show her the necklace." Annie felt her heart nearly stop for a minute. "Of course you must show it," was her gentle response; "and I will see that dear Mabel takes care of the precious things." "Well, you can go now, darling; you have made me feel so nice, and this room is delicious. Really, the journey was trying. It is horrible travelling in this intense heat, but we shall do beautifully here." Annie tripped out of the room and went straight to Mabel's. Mabel's room was not nearly as good as the one which Lady Lushington occupied, but still it was a very nice room, with two large windows which opened in French fashion and had deep balconies where one could stand and look into the very heart of the everlasting hills. Parker's room was just beyond Mabel's, and Annie's was at the back. It was arranged that Parker should be within easy reach of her mistress and her young lady, and self-forgetful Annie therefore selected the back-room. She had no view at all; but then, what did views matter to Annie, who was blind to all their beauty? Mabel was alone. She felt very hot and dusty after her journey, and had just slipped into a cool, white dressing-gown. "Let me take down your hair, dear May," said Annie, "and if you sit in that deep arm-chair I will brush it for you. Isn't it nice here, May?" "Yes," replied Mabel, "I suppose it is; only you have a horrid small room, Annie." "I don't care a bit about that," said Annie. "I am not going to be much in it except to sleep, and when one is asleep any room suffices. But, May, I want to talk to you." "What about?" said May. "Anything fresh?" Annie carefully shut the door which communicated between Mabel's room and Parker's.