But for her daughters' sake she abode here: "You know, my gills _adore_ Italy." Of these young ladies, the two elder--Barbara and Made line were their seductive names--had good looks.

Barbara, perhaps twenty-two years old, was rather colourless, somewhat too slim, altogether a trifle limp; but she had a commendable taste in dress.

Madeline, a couple of years younger, presented a more healthy physique and a less common comeliness, but in the matter of costume she lacked her sister's discretion.

Her colours were ill-matched, her ornaments awkwardly worn; even her hair sought more freedom than was consistent with grace.

The youngest girl, Zillah, who was about nineteen, had been less kindly dealt with by nature; like Barbara, she was of very light complexion, and this accentuated her plainness.