"You bet I have, sir. But it don't matter. I've enjoyed myself, I have, in pulling the strings."
"It's more than I have done," said Owain languidly. "Good-bye, Bottles. Go home and tell your mother of my intentions. Next week I'll fulfill my promise, as soon as I can see my solicitors and settle matters."
"And, Simon," said Mrs. Perage graciously, "you can go to the kitchen and have your dinner. Here's a pound. Take Peter with you to town and to see your mother."
"Thank you, mum; thank you, sir; thank everybody." And Bottles disappeared with a happy grin, which made every one smile.
"Here comes Madame Alpenny and the Brackens," announced Vane, who acted as a master of the ceremonies.
"I don't like that old woman to come under my roof," said Mrs. Perage, with a frown. "She's a plotter and a schemer. But----"
"Oh, she's only one of the fragments which have to be swept up," said Gwen in a lively tone. "I don't like her either; but I am so much obliged to Zara that I am quite willing Owain should help the old lady."
"Old lady, indeed," grumbled Mrs. Perage. "Old scamp, I call her. You can deal with her yourselves. I'm going." And as the newcomers entered the room, she went out swiftly through the conservatory.
Zara looked pale, her husband confused, and both advanced with rather a shame-stricken air. Madame Alpenny, on the contrary, rushed forward and took Owain's hand with effusion, beaming all over her harsh swart face. Considering how she had behaved when they last met, the young man was astonished by this friendly greeting. He scarcely knew what to say; but it appeared there was no need for him to say anything. Madame Alpenny did all the talking, so it was just as well that Mrs. Perage had left the room. Had that Amazonian dame remained, there assuredly would have been trouble.
"Ah, but I am delighted to see you looking so magnificent after your illness, dear Monsieur!" cried Madame, clasping Owain's hand fondly within her own. "You terrified me greatly, as I thought you would perish. Ah, but it is good of the Heavens to preserve you to us."