to land for a few minutes," he called out.

"Throw a rope, then," Andrew answered briefly. "You had better come in
this side of the landing-stage."

The rope was thrown, and the boat dragged high and dry upon the pebbly
beach. The Princess, after a glance at him through her lorgnette,
surrendered herself willingly to Andrew's outstretched hands.

"I am quite sure," she said, "that you will not let me fall. You must
be the wonderful person whom my daughter has told me about. Is this
queer little place really your home?"

"I live here," Andrew de la Borne said simply.

Jeanne leaned over towards him.

"Won't you please help me, Mr. Andrew?" she said, smiling down at him.

He held out his arms, and she sprang lightly to the ground.

"I hope you don't mind our coming," she said to him. "I was so anxious
to see your cottage."

"There is little enough to see," Andrew answered, "but you are very
welcome."

"We are sorry to trouble you," Cecil said, a little uneasily, "but
would it be possible to give these ladies some tea?"

"Certainly," Andrew answered. "I will go and get it ready."

"Oh, what fun!" Jeanne declared. "I am coming to help. Please, Mr.
Andrew, do let me help. I am sure I could make tea."

"It is not necessary, thank you," Andrew answered. "I have a lodger who
has brought his own servant. As it happens he was just preparing some
tea for us. If you will come round to the other side, where it is a
little more sheltered, I will bring you some chairs."

They moved across the grass-grown little stretch of sand. The Princess
peered curiously at Berners.

"Your face," she remarked, "seems quite familiar to me."

Berners did not for the moment answer her. He was looking towards
Forrest, who was busy lighting a cigarette.

"I am afraid, madam," he said, after a slight pause, "that I cannot
claim the honour of having met you."

The Princess was not altogether satisfied. Jeanne had gone on with
Andrew, and she followed slowly walking with Berners.

"I have such a good memory for faces," she remarked, "and I am very
seldom mistaken."

"I am afraid," Berners said, "that this must be one of those rare
occasions. If you will allow me I will go and help Andrew bring out
some seats."

He disappeared into the cottage, and came out again almost directly
with a couple of chairs. This time he met Forrest's direct gaze, and
the two men stood for a moment or two looking at one another. Forrest
turned uneasily