“Pictures?” interposed Dick, inquiringly.
“Yes, a few that I picked up during several visits to Europe.”
“If people only knew it,” remarked Mrs. Darlington, “Mr. Robles has perhaps one of the finest private picture galleries in America.”
“Then I’m certainly coming to see you,” said Dick, eagerly.
“Me or my pictures?” asked Mr. Robles with a quizzical smile.
“Both,” and the young fellow showed he meant it by a cordial hand grip.
“You will pass our door, Mr. Willoughby?” exclaimed Merle in half-laughing reproachfulness. “You will dare to give the go-by to La Siesta?”
“Well, art is art,” replied Dick sturdily, although he did not trust himself to look at Merle while he answered.
“But perhaps the young ladies will show you the way through the oak forest,” suggested Mr. Robles.
“That would be great,” said Lieutenant Munson, with his eyes fixed on Grace Darlington.