GRAVITY OUT OF BED It is probable that Sir Archibald Roylance did not altogether believe Dickson's tale; it may be that he considered him an agreeable romancer, or a little mad, or no more than a relief to the tedium of a wet Sunday morning.

But his incredulity did not survive one glance at Saskia as she stood in that bleak drawing-room among Victorian water-colours and faded chintzes.

The young man's boyishness deserted him.

He stopped short in his tracks, and made a profound and awkward bow.

"I am at your service, Mademoiselle," he said, amazed at himself.