Whatever dream Clarence might have had of opportunities for confidential interview was rudely dispelled.

Yet Mrs.Peyton had left orders to be informed at once of Don Clarencio's arrival.
As he crossed the patio and stepped upon the corridor he fancied he already detected in the internal arrangements the subtle influence of Mrs.Peyton's taste and the indefinable domination of the mistress.

For an instant he thought of anticipating the servant and seeking her in the boudoir, but some instinct withheld him, and he turned into the study which he had used as an office.

It was empty; a few embers glimmered on the hearth.

At the same moment there was a light step behind him, and Mrs.Peyton entered and closed the door behind her.