ic moods, when I
have glimpses of things beyond the veil.

It comes to me that if the Archdeacon friend of your cousin could be
asked to join your house party with his wife, and _especially_ with his
relative who is so rare a judge of jewels (is not his name Ruthven
Smith?) trouble might be prevented.

This is vague advice. But I cannot be more definite, because I am
saying these things under _guidance_. I am not responsible, nor can
I explain why the message is sent. I _feel_ that it is important.

But you must not mention that it comes from me. Nelson and his wife
would resent that; and the scheme would fall to the ground. Write and
tell me what you do. I shall not be easy in my mind until your house
party is over. May all go well!

Yours gratefully and affectionately,

Madalena.

P.S.--Better speak of having the Smiths, to Mrs. Nelson, not her
husband. He might refuse.

Archdeacon Smith and his wife and their cousin, Ruthven Smith, were the
last persons on earth in whom Constance would have expected the Countess
de Santiago to interest herself. All the more, therefore, was Lady
Annesley-Seton ready to believe in a supernatural influence. Madalena's
request to be kept out of the affair would have meant nothing to her had
she not agreed that the Nelson Smiths would object to the Countess's
dictation.

Constance proposed the Smith family as guests in a casual way to Annesley
when they were out shopping together, saying that it would be nice for
Anne to have her friends at Valley House.

"The Archdeacon wouldn't be able to come," said Annesley. "Easter is
a busy time for him, and Mrs. Smith wouldn't leave him to go into the
country."

"What a dear, old-fashioned wife!" laughed Connie. "Well, what about
their cousin, that Mr. Ruthven Smith who used to stay at your 'gorgon's'
till our friends the burglar-band called on him? There are things in
Valley House which would interest an expert in jewels. And you've never
asked him to anything, have you?"

"Oh, yes," said Annesley, "he's been invited every time I've asked the
Archdeacon and Mrs. Smith, but he always refused, saying he was too deaf
and too dull for dinner parties. I'm sure he would hate a house party far
worse!"

"Why not give the poor man a chance to decide?" Constance persisted. "He
must be a nervous wreck since the burglary. A change ought to do him
good. Besides, he would love Valley House. If you like to make a w