In the midst of much ejaculation, and accompanied by a fire of directions from Colonel Dick, Lewis Rand was borne up the steps and across the porch into the cool, wide hail.

Here the litter was met by Jacqueline Churchill.

She came down the shadowy staircase in a white gown, with a salver and a glass in her hand.

"The room is ready, Uncle Dick," she said, in a steady voice.

"The blue room.