.

"NINETEEN".
As Juliette returned to the Gate House she encountered her father, walking arm-in-arm with Dormer Colville.

The presence of the Englishman within the enceinte of the chateau was probably no surprise to her, for she must have heard the clang of the bell just within the gate, which could not be opened from outside; by which alone access was gained to any part of the chateau.
Colville was in riding costume.

It was, indeed, his habitual dress when living in France, for he made no concealment of his partnership in a well-known business house in Bordeaux.
"I am a sleeping partner," he would say, with that easy flow of egotistic confidence which is the surest way of learning somewhat of your neighbour's private affairs.

"I am a sleeping partner at all times except the vintage, when I awake and ride round among the growers, to test their growth." It was too early yet for these journeys, for the grapes were hardly ripe.