Julian looked rather doubtful.
"I don't know," he said. "She may."
"She must, Julian. Here is a note I have written to her. Do give it to her yourself. I can't be thought a bogey. She must come and learn that I am harmless."
As he said this Valentine's fingers unconsciously twisted the note they held so strongly that it was torn to shreds.
"Why, you have torn it up," Julian said, in surprise.
"Oh yes."
Valentine paused, then added:
"You had better ask her by word of mouth. Persuade her to come."
"I will try."
The lady of the feathers did indeed require a good deal of persuasion. When first Julian made the proposition her face shone with gratification, for he gave the invitation without mentioning Valentine's name. But then the clouds came down. The lady remembered him suddenly, and said: