“Miss Warren is their niece?”
“Yes.”
“How did that happen? Hers is an English name.”
“Her father was an English naval officer.”
“Ah!”
“He married a sister of the Baron Esterveldt. Both have been dead for several years, and Verona since has lived with the Esterveldts.”
“H’m, I see.”
“They have an extensive estate in Bohemia and a residence in Berlin. They have been in Washington nearly a year, however, for Verona is very fond of America and of Miss Barclay. They met abroad more than a year ago and became very friendly. The Baron Esterveldt entertained the Barclays at that time, and Senator Barclay is now doing all in his power to return the compliment.”
“Naturally,” said Nick oddly.
“It was through him that I met Miss Warren and—well, I fell over head and ears in love with her.” Garland enthused for a moment. “She’s a wonderful girl, Carter, a marvel of beauty, wit, and brilliancy. You ought to meet her. To see her is to worship her. She’s the most fascinating girl——”