sweet voice, with an accent that the girls had never heard before. She was g

e this," he declared. "We would certainly have been very uncomfortable if we had

e tea? It may warm you." She pressed an electric bell in the wal

ss Sallie and Mrs. De Lancey Smythe were left to the mercy of the old lady with the beaked nose. Maud and the count wit

mistress of the villa, turning to Mr. Stuart, a

ay I can boast of only one daughter. The three other girls are her friend

you call them the 'Automobile Girls'? Do young girls run motor car

e soft curls around her face. She had a small straight nose and the curve of her red lips was perfect. The coutour of her face was oval and her large dark eyes were touched with an undefinable sadness. She was tall and

all hands in her own cool fingers. "Do these litt

ow its hidden sadness touched her. Mollie's blue

oftly pressed her hand. "I'm a girl like yourself, only I am much older. But I love younger girls very dearly. You must l

ivering through her tears. "And I wasn't the least bit frightened. I think perh

what a pretty name that is!"

a friendly smile. Mr. Stuart

w friend did not r

. Perhaps she was German? She confessed that this was her first visit to America. The cl

rvice. He was followed by a comely German maid, who carried a tr

es and a lamp covered

ant silence and all eyes were turned to their lovely young hostess

she said, smiling brightly at her guests. "It banishes sad thoughts a

it's an ill wind that blows no one good.' We sh

ried their hostess with a silve

his?" broke in Mrs. De Lancey Smythe, looking about her with a pat

Smythe's abrupt remark jarred upon them, and simultaneous

"I think this quiet place must be enchanting

mother coldly. "Your opin

sagreeable that woman is. She is so snippy, and calc

ly. "I am indeed a stranger, here, but I came for rest and quiet,

turning her attention to the imposing looking old woman wit

observing her questioner with a dang

mythe showed sig

your servant," she said, trying to look haughty and th

ow that one is of the same country as one's servants?

ion. She therefore turned her attention to Mr. Duval who had been li

tuart began discussing a number of current topics with her in an impersonal, well-bred m

called Mrs. De Lan

ediate lull in t

bile Girls." Her face turned pale. She leaned back in

n instant. "I am afraid you are ill," sh

s only a momentary faintness. But did I not hea

He is that young man in white, who is

a long time at the young count. "Who is

r. Duval," she explained. "He and the Coun

her's displeased look, decided to join the "Automo

nt de Sonde has invited Papa and me and the De Lancey Sm

ss crashed to the floor. I

t. "Johann will do it. I am very careless. So you expect to visit

aud replied. "It would be qui

hateau of the De Sonde family?"

plied. "I believe the count said it was in Brittany

ting the count," suggested Maud's hoste

elpiece. He was talking with the beautiful stranger, whose name was stil

quite, quite old," the count explained.

r family go?" went on

throat and choked over

eventh century," answered Duval quietly

s. She was addressing the count. "It is a pity for such a

such grave sweetness that he smil

some day, Mademoi

also, have you not?" inquired Monsieur Duv

efore she answered? Bab

ied courteously. "In Italy the old families trace their lineage to the go

can city," cried Ruth. "Of course, Aunt Sallie and Father and I t

Lancey Smythe, with a little insolent air of pride. "The De Lanc

ple drop their titles in this great free country of yours? It is much better, I think

an American," exclaimed Ruth, with enthusiasm. "America fo

at free country is so wonderful. Its liberty is boundless." She sighed, and for a moment seemed

tter begin to think about getting back to our hotel. The rain ha

Then she added very softly so that Mr. Stuart and Mollie who stood with her hand clasped

ely!" breat

ppy, indeed to come,

l, who with the count at his heels had stepped unnoticed to the young woman's side. "Am I presu

on me." Gliding over to the side of the stern old woman, she took her hand. "Permit me t