There was a tap at the door. She turned and saw Earl Kenwell entering the room; with him was Winn.
The Earl crossed to the window and held out his hand.
"Miss Grahame," he said, with a smile, "will you please accept my congratulations? My friend Winn has been telling me how he has been hunting the country for you, and found you at last under my roof. He has also told me how you pluckily saved the Vaarg Valley plans from our rivals; and after hearing the story, I took the liberty of telling him that he is an exceptionally lucky man to have gained such a woman for his wife."
"You are very kind," murmured Olive, with a blush.
The Earl pushed open the French windows and led the way on to the terrace. Winn linked his arm within Olive's and followed.
"If ever I meet that scoundrel Morlot," remarked the Earl, "I'll——"
There was a rustle of a dress on the terrace, and a second afterwards Lady Dorothy appeared in view. The Earl shot a half-nervous glance at Winn, then turned to meet his daughter.
"Dolly," he said, and his voice was more affectionate than usual, "we have some surprising news for you."
Lady Dorothy had come to a sudden stop, and her eyes were fixed on Olive and Winn, whose arms were still linked.
"It appears," continued the Earl, and his voice grew even softer, "that Miss Grahame and Mr. Winn are old friends—very old friends—" he paused awkwardly, "that is, they knew one another before he went to Africa." Again the Earl paused.