AN AMAZING ELOPEMENT
The sun was shining brilliantly and the sky was cloudless as Richard turned his automobile into the grounds of the Villa Mimosa, soon after nine o'clock on the following morning. The yellow-blossomed trees, slightly stirred by the west wind, formed a golden arch across the winding avenue. The air was sweet, almost faint with perfume. On the terrace, holding a pair of field-glasses in her hand and gazing intently out to sea, was Fedora. At the sound of the motor-horn she turned quickly. She looked at the visitor in surprise. A shade of pink was in her face. Lane brought the car to a standstill, jumped out and climbed the steps of the terrace.
"What has brought you here?" she asked, in surprise.
"I have just come to pay you a little visit," he remarked easily. "I was only afraid you mightn't be up so early."
She bit her lip.
"You have no right to come here at all," she said severely, "and to present yourself at this hour is unheard of."
"I came early entirely out of consideration for your father," he assured her.
She frowned.
"My father?" she repeated. "Please explain at once what you mean. My father is on that yacht and I cannot imagine why he does not return."
"I can tell you," he answered, standing by her side and looking out seawards. "They are waiting for my orders before they let him off."