"A lady, Monsieur."
"A lady?"
The Comte was surprised. Not that a visit from a lady was an unusual thing at the Villa Marina, but at this particular moment the Comte could not think who the lady was likely to be.
"She is, I think, a lady not known to Monsieur," murmured the valet helpfully.
The Comte was more and more intrigued.
"Show her out here, Hippolyte," he commanded.
A moment later a marvellous vision in orange and black stepped out on the terrace, accompanied by a strong perfume of exotic blossoms.
"Monsieur le Comte de la Roche?"
"At your service, Mademoiselle," said the Comte, bowing.
"My name is Mirelle. You may have heard of me."