If you come from a distance, monsieur," she added, graciously, "perhaps you would like to rest awhile on the terrace.

The view is beautiful." This hospitable reception seemed a good omen, for, sensible as he was, he believed in presentiments and prognostics.

He entered without waiting to be urged.

When he had crossed the lawn he stood facing two detached buildings, separated by a mass of verdure: to the right, an old summer-house, used from time immemorial for M.Moriaz's collections, laboratory, and library; to the left, a new two-story house, part stone, part brick, built in an elegant but unobtrusive style, without ornament or pretension, and flanked by a turret covered with ivy and clematis, which served for a dove-cote.

The house was not a palace, but there was an air about it of well-being, comfort, and happiness.