"Oh, father, can't they do without me for once? I don't often stay away."
He helped himself to an apple tart, and made no reply. Gabrielle read her letter, and her cheeks flamed with excitement.
"What do you think?" she said. "Sir Jules is going on his yacht to Corfu, and he wishes me to go with them."
"To go upon his yacht!" The astonishment was very natural. "That is very kind of him."
"Douglas Renshaw is going, and Dr. Burrall. Eva says they will call at Lisbon and Gibraltar, and perhaps at Genoa. What a splendid trip!"
Her eyes were very bright with the vision, and her lips parted in excitement. Not only was this a respite from the monotonous days, but a respite which she would consider regal. She was going upon a pilgrimage into the old world as she had gone into the new. And with the promise there flashed upon her mind a memory of John Faber's wager. He would meet her in Paris or Berlin!
"It is indeed a very remarkable opportunity," said her father presently. "Sir Jules Achon is a greater man than your American. He has more ballast, and quite as much money."
"And he has not come to Europe to marry an English woman."
The minister looked at her covertly. A secret thought which had sent her to the Savoy Hotel whispered an accusation in his ear, and found him guilty. He would have given much to know just what passed between Gabrielle and John Faber. Perhaps he saw also that his daughter had never looked so well. Undoubtedly she was a beautiful woman.
"Yes," he said at last; "I don't think Sir Jules will marry. You must accept this invitation, Gabrielle."