g-bag in one hand, and supporting
one invalid with the other, while Mason tottered in the wake, unable for
the moment to support any other burden than that of her own body.

Mrs Fanshawe--Claire had discovered the name on a printed card let into
the lining of the bag--had no sympathy to spare for poor Mason. She
plainly considered it the height of bad manners for a maid to dare to be
sea-sick; but being unused to do anything for herself, gratefully
allowed Claire to lead the way, reply to the queries of custom-house
officials, secure a corner of a first-class compartment of the waiting
train, and bid an attendant bring a cup of tea before the ordinary
breakfast began.

Mason refused any refreshment, but Mrs Fanshawe momentarily regained
her vigour, and was all that was gracious in her acknowledgment of
Claire's help. The quizzical eyes roved over the girl's face and
figure, and evidently approved what they saw, and Claire, smiling back,
was conscious of an answering attraction. Thoughtless and domineering
as was her behaviour to her inferior, there was yet something in the old
lady's personality which struck an answering chord in the girl's heart.
She was enough of a physiognomist to divine the presence of humour and
generosity, combined with a persistent cheerfulness of outlook. The
signs of physical age were unmistakable, but the spirit within was
young, young as her own!

The mutual scrutiny ended in a mutual laugh, which was the last breaking
of the ice.

"My dear," cried Mrs Fanshawe, "you must excuse my bad manners! You
are so refreshing to look at after all those horrors on the boat that I
can't help staring. And you've been so kind! Positively I don't know
how I should have survived without you. Will you tell me your name? I
should like to know to whom I am indebted for so much help."

"My name is Claire Gifford."

"Er--yes?" Plainly Mrs Fanshawe felt the information insufficient.
"Gifford! I knew some Giffords. Do you belong to the Worcestershire
branch?"

Claire hitched her shoulders in the true French shrug.

"_Sais pas_! I have no English relations nearer than second cousins,
and we have lived abroad so much that we are practically strangers. My
father died when I was a child. I went to school in Paris, and for the
last few years my mother and I have made our headquarters in Brussels.
She married again, only yesterday, and is going to live in Bombay."

Mrs Fanshawe arched surprised