"A thousand blessings on the resemblance. I shall at once take advantage of your kind permission. Do you go often to Farbis Court--Meg?"
"Very often, Dan. Miss Linisfarne is very kind to me."
"Oh, the lady who lives at the Court in place of its owner! Where is Lord Ardleigh?"
"In London, I believe," she said rather contemptuously. "I have no doubt he is one of those finical fine gentlemen of whom Miss Linisfarne talks."
"That is not a flattering portrait," said Dan, smiling.
"Probably not; but I have no doubt it is a true one."
"Are you sure of that, Miss Merle?"
"I told you I am not Miss Merle, Mr. Dan."
"Then address me as Dan, if you want me to be less formal."
"Of course I shall call you Dan," said she, opening her eyes in feigned surprise. "What else should I call you?"