"Oh, something that concerns--a--a friend of mine," said Fanchon, looking wicked and mysterious; and Brenda suddenly remembered the bangle and felt crosser than ever. But, after all, she had her consolation, for the band was playing its very best as they passed the Esplanade, and there was Harry standing talking and smoking with some other men. Brenda immediately pulled the check string and beckoned him. He came forward in delight and confusion. "I shall be too tired to see you this evening, Mr Jordan," said Brenda. "Drive on please, coachman. We have been having a delightful day," she called out, as the man took her at her word, "at Castle Beverley." "She _is_ a stunner!" said Joe Burbery to his friend. "And what swells she knows! I say, old man, I have seldom seen such a ripping girl!" CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. GATHERING CLOUDS. Mrs Dawson was seated with that copy of the _Standard_ which contained the advertisement for the gold bangle open on her knee. She had read the advertisement not only once, but twice. There was a reward offered for the recovery of the trinket of no less than three guineas. That seemed a very large sum of money to honest Mrs Dawson. She thought how acceptable it would be, and wished that the lost trinket might come in her way. While she was ruminating, without quite knowing whether she would take any active steps, Jane, one of the house servants, entered and said that a lady wanted to know if there was a vacant room in the house. "Oh, tell her there isn't," said Mrs Dawson rather crossly. "There's nothing whatever except the back attic--the one just behind the large attic where Miss Carlton and the three Miss Amberleys sleep. We couldn't put any one there, it's so choky and hot these sultry days." Jane departed, but presently returned with the information that the lady did not mind what the room was like in the least and would be very glad to see the back attic. "I don't know that I want to let it," said Mrs Dawson. "We're chock full now and you and Mary Anne are worked off your legs." "That we are, ma'am; but we don't mind if you should wish to fill the room," answered the good-natured girl. "It's the season, and every one should have their innings. She seems an easy-satisfied sort of body--a Frenchy, I should take it, from her style of talk." Here there came a clear, piercing voice at the very door of Mrs Dawson's private sitting-room. This sitting-room was the smallest apartment imaginable. It faced west too, and was hot at the present moment with the afternoon sun. "_Pardonnez--pardonnez_" said the voice; "I do so want that _appartement_ that your _domestique_ did mention. I mind not the heat-- oh, not in the very least. I am from _la belle France_, where the days are hotter than your English days, and the sun more bright, and the world more gay." Here Mademoiselle boldly entered the room and came up to Mrs Dawson.