And then, turning to her companion--'This is Mr Brand.

He stayed with us last month in Gloucestershire.' Mr Ivery announced that he and I were already acquainted.

Seen in broad daylight he was a very personable fellow, somewhere between forty-five and fifty, with a middle-aged figure and a curiously young face.

I noticed that there were hardly any lines on it, and it was rather that of a very wise child than that of a man.

He had a pleasant smile which made his jaw and cheeks expand like indiarubber.