shortly, but with a smile, "Scrambled eggs,
my good Polperro."

Doubtless this was the gentleman who was brother-in-law of the French
Duke mentioned by M. Girard. He spoke to the chef with the kindly
familiarity born of long knowledge.

After having given the Count his scrambled eggs, the young waitress came
over to where Sylvia was sitting. "Would Madame like to have her coffee
in the garden?" she asked; and Sylvia said that she would.

How enchanting was the garden of the Villa du Lac, and how unlike any
hotel garden she had ever seen! The smooth, wide lawn was shaded with
noble cedars and bright green chestnut trees; it was paradise compared
with the rather stuffy little Hotel de l'Horloge and the dusty Paris
streets.

M. Polperro himself brought Sylvia's coffee. Then he stayed on talking to
her, for like all clever hotel-keepers the Southerner had the gift of
making those who were staying in his house feel as if they were indeed
his guests rather than his clients.

"If Madame should ever care to make a little stay at Lacville, how happy
Madame Polperro and I would be!" he exclaimed. "I have a beautiful room
overlooking the lake which I could give Madame. It was reserved for a
Russian Princess, but now she is not coming--"

"Perhaps I will come and stay here some day," said Sylvia, and she really
felt as if she would like to come and stay in the Villa du Lac. "But I am
going to Switzerland next week, so it will have to be the next time I
come to France in the summer."

"Does Madame play?" asked M. Polperro, insinuatingly.

"I?" said Sylvia, laughing. "No, indeed! Of course, I play bridge--all
English people play bridge--but I have never gambled, if you mean that,
monsieur, in my life."

"I am delighted to hear Madame say so," said M. Polperro, heartily.
"People now talk of Lacville as if there was only the Casino and the
play. They forget the beautiful walks, the lovely lake, and the many
other attractions we have to offer! Why, Madame, think of the Forest of
Montmorency? In old days it was quite a drive from Lacville, but now a
taxi or an automobile will get you there in a few minutes! Still the
Casino is very attractive too; and all _my_ clients belong to the Club!"

Sylvia stayed on for nearly an hour in the delightful, peaceful garden,
and then, rather regretfully, she went up the lichen-covered steps which
led into the hall. How deliciously cool and quiet it was there.

She paid her bill; it seemed