The motor party had now arrived at the ostrich farm. Mollie, the countess and Bab ran on ahead. Ruth slipped her arm through Maud Warren’s. The count joined them, but Ruth did not withdraw her arm. Maud did not seem to mind Ruth’s “playing gooseberry.” Maud was really becoming fond of the “Automobile Girls.” It was plain, however, that the Count de Sonde had eyes only for Maud.
The Count de Sonde, who wore high heeled shoes to make him look taller, walked with the two girls. He talked constantly, using his hands and shoulders to emphasize his remarks.
“You see, Mademoiselle Maud,” he explained. “My parents died when I was a mere infant. Most of my life I have spent in Paris. I do not often go to the Chateau de Sonde. But I love dearly the home of my ancestors.”
“How much land have you around your castle, Count?” asked Ruth.
The count looked annoyed at the question. “It is a very large estate,” he answered vaguely.
But Ruth was determined to secure definite information. “Is your chateau on a hill or in a valley?” she next inquired.
The count shrugged his shoulders. “It is on the side of a mountain, overlooking a valley,” he declared.
The picnic party had now arrived in front of the cages containing the ostriches. The great birds were strolling about in fine disdain.
But Ruth’s mind dwelt on the Chateau de Sonde. She was frankly curious about it. “Have you ever visited the Count de Sonde at his chateau, Mr. Duval?” inquired Ruth, who happened to be standing next the Frenchman.
