Jerome fixed on her his mournful eyes, then, as he watched, Breadalbane crossed the passage and entered the room. The Countess closed the door.

“I saw a woman like that once—in a dream,” said Jerome. “The face was strangely impressed on my mind.”

Sir Perseus, eating lustily, asked:

“What was she doing in your dream?”

Jerome gave his grieving smile. “She was strangling me with a long lace tie,” he said slowly.

Sir Perseus laughed, but Delia broke out passionately: “A cold Scotswoman! I loathe her—she would strangle you if it needed—her eyes are hard as stones.”

“Delia!” cried Sir Perseus. “The place is overrun with Campbells—have a care—they have a whole body-guard of Highlanders at the back—”

“And yet she does servants’ work,” said Delia.

“She is devoted to him,” answered Jerome.

“A strange thing!” flashed Delia.