’And that horrid young Stebbing is come back too.  I am glad she has that nice Mrs. Lee to help her.’

‘And to defend her,’ added Miss Mohun.  ’Her testimony is worth a great deal, and I am glad to know where to lay my hand upon it.  And here is our first house, “Les Rochers.”  For Madame de Sevigne’s sake, I hope it will do!’

But it didn’t!  Miss Mohun got no farther than the hall before she detected a scent of gas; and they had to betake themselves to the next vacant abode.  The investigating nature had full scope in the various researches that she made into parlour, kitchen, and hall, desperately wearisome to Gillian, whose powers were limited to considering how the family could sit at ease in the downstairs rooms, how they could be stowed away in the bedrooms, and where there were the prettiest views of the bay.  Aunt Jane, becoming afraid that while she was literally ‘ferreting’ in the offices Gillian might be meditating on her conquest, picked up the first cheap book that looked innocently sensational, and left her to study it on various sofas.  And when daylight failed for inspections, Gillian still had reason to rejoice in the pastime devised for her, since there was an endless discussion at the agent’s, over the only two abodes that could be made available, as to prices, repairs, time, and terms.  They did not get away till it was quite dark and the gas lighted, and Miss Mohun did not think the ascent of the steps desirable, so that they went round by the street.

‘I declare,’ exclaimed Miss Mohun, ’there’s Mr. White’s house lighted up.  He must be come!’

‘I wonder whether he will do anything for Kalliope,’ sighed Gillian.

‘Oh, Jenny,’ exclaimed Miss Adeline, as the two entered the drawing-room.  ’You have had such a loss; Rotherwood has been here waiting to see you for an hour, and such an agreeable man he brought with him!’

‘Who could it have been?’

’I didn’t catch his name—–­Rotherwood was mumbling in his quick way—–­ indeed, I am not sure he did not think I knew him.  A distinguished-looking man, like a picture, with a fine white beard, and he was fresh from Italy; told me all about the Carnival and the curious ceremonies in the country villages.’

‘From Italy?  It can’t have been Mr. White.’

’Mr. White!  My dear Jane! this was a gentleman—–­quite a grand-looking man.  He might have been an Italian nobleman, only he spoke English too well for that, though I believe those diplomates can speak all languages.  However, you will see, for we are to go and dine with them at eight o’clock—–­you, and I, and Gillian.’

‘You, Ada!’

’Oh!  I have ordered the chair round; it won’t hurt me with the glasses up.  Gillian, my dear, you must put on the white dress that Mrs. Grinstead’s maid did up for you—–­it is quite simple, and I should like you to look nice!  Well—–­oh, how tired you both look!  Ring for some fresh tea, Gillian.  Have you found a house?’