"I know I'm looking well," said Cleopatra indolently, as Gartney settled himself in a low chair near her. "The South always agrees with me so much better than that smoky London. That comes of being a daughter of the Tropics I suppose." "You look in your proper place under a burning sky," observed Eustace poetically. "There is more of the gorgeous cactus about you than the English rose." "Am I to take that as a compliment?" "Most women would." "I daresay, but then you see I'm unlike most women," replied Cleopatra, fanning herself slowly. "It's rather a good thing I think myself. What a horrible idea to be a replica of half a dozen of one's dearest enemies." "Have you any enemies?" asked Eustace, looking keenly at her. "Plenty! principally of my own sex I think. It doesn't trouble me, however, as I think it is rather a distinction than otherwise. A person without enemies must be without character. By-the-way, Mr. Gartney, I haven't asked you what you are doing in San Remo." "What do you think?" "It's too hot to answer riddles," replied Mrs. Veilsturm languidly. "I'm sure I can't tell. Restoring your health, writing a book, hiding from your friends. There, I've given you a choice of three answers." "None of which are right. I've come over to attend to my cousin Errington." "How devoted of you," said the lady ironically. "I was not aware you were so fond of your cousin as all that." "Were you not?" answered Eustace nonchalantly. "Rather an oversight on your part, seeing that Errington and myself have been close friends all our lives." An angry colour glowed in Cleopatra's swarthy face as she detected a covert insolence in this reply, but, having a sharp tongue of her own, she lost no time in answering. "Ah! I see, like does not always draw to like." "Certainly not in this case, but the reverse is true. I am not a bit like Errington in any way. For example, I can always take care of myself." "And Sir Guy cannot, I suppose?" "Not when there's a woman in the case, as there is now." Mrs. Veilsturm had never liked Eustace, as he knew more about her former life than she cared he should, but being an eminently diplomatic woman she had always treated him as a friend. Now, however, she saw that his attitude was distinctly hostile, and prepared to give battle. They were now matching their wits against one another, and each knew it would take wonderful skill and cautious dealing in order to come off victor in such a remarkably equal contest. "I don't understand you," said Mrs. Veilsturm, after a pause. "Try," responded Eustace curtly. "Why should I?" "Because you understand well enough, only you won't admit it." "Do you know, Mr. Gartney, you are very rude?" said the Creole quietly. "Pshaw!" cried Eustace angrily, "it's no use our fencing with buttons on the foils. I've come here for a certain purpose, and you know what it is." "I'm sure I don't," said Mrs. Veilsturm doggedly. "None so blind as those who won't see."