We did find an antique dealer. Not that I doubted it, but Lord Alair's thoughts had been so clearly in the distance since morning that it would not be surprising if, in thought, he did not notice the unpretentious sign of the store.

The owner of the shop turned out to be a young fair-haired girl with a whole scattering of freckles, smiling dimples on her cheeks and very expensive earrings. She was just dusting the shelves and was very surprised to find early, and even unfamiliar visitors. At first, our appearance did not arouse enthusiasm in the hostess, and she wanted to continue working, but the rings sparkling on...