AN AMAZING ELOPEMENT The sun was shining brilliantly and the sky was cloudless as Richard turned his automobile into the grounds of the Villa Mimosa, soon after nine o'clock on the following morning.

The yellow-blossomed trees, slightly stirred by the west wind, formed a golden arch across the winding avenue.

The air was sweet, almost faint with perfume.

On the terrace, holding a pair of field-glasses in her hand and gazing intently out to sea, was Fedora.

At the sound of the motor-horn she turned quickly.