It was their number and variety that astounded him.

He might have expected them in the boudoir of the Governor General's daughter at Ottawa, but not here--and much less farther north.

What he saw was of exquisite material and workmanship.

And then, as if attracted by a magnet, his eyes were drawn to something else.

It was a row of shoes neatly and carefully arranged on the floor at one side of the dressing-table.
He stared at them, astounded.