tunate indeed that I happened to think of it,
especially as it seems that no one had had the sense to place it upon
my list. Tavernake, get the plans at once and show them to--er--to Mrs.
Gardner."

Tavernake crossed the room in silence, opened a drawer, and returned
with a stiff roll of papers, which he spread carefully out in front of
this unexpected client. She spoke then for the first time since he had
entered the room. Her voice was low and marvelously sweet. There was
very little of the American accent about it, but something in the
intonation, especially toward the end of her sentences, was just a
trifle un-English.

"Where is this Grantham House?" she inquired.

"Within a stone's throw of Grosvenor Square," Tavernake answered,
briskly. "It is really one of the most central spots in the west end. If
you will allow me!"

For the next few minutes he was very fluent indeed. With pencil in hand,
he explained the plans, dwelt on the advantages of the location, and
from the very reserve of his praise created an impression that the house
he was describing was the one absolutely perfect domicile in the whole
of London.

"Can I look over the place?" she asked, when he had finished.

"By all means," Mr. Dowling declared, "by all means. I was on the point
of suggesting it. It will be by far the most satisfactory proceeding.
You will not be disappointed, my dear madam, I can assure you."

"I should like to do so, if I may, without delay," she said.

"There is no opportunity like the present," Mr. Dowling replied. "If
you will permit me," he added, rising, "it will give me the greatest
pleasure to escort you personally. My engagements for the rest of the
day happen to be unimportant. Tavernake, let me have the keys of
the rooms that are locked up. The caretaker, of course, is there in
possession."

The beautiful visitor rose to her feet, and even that slight movement
was accomplished with a grace unlike anything which Tavernake had ever
seen before.

"I could not think of troubling you so far, Mr. Dowling," she protested.
"It is not in the least necessary for you to come yourself. Your manager
can, perhaps, spare me a few minutes. He seems to be so thoroughly
posted in all the details," she added, apologetically, as she noticed
the cloud on Mr. Dowling's brow.

"Just as you like, of course," he declared. "Mr. Tavernake can go, by
all means. Now I come to think of it, it certainly would be inconvenient
for me to