The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
He could not go and call like an ordinary visitor, because he did not know her name! That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
The simplest thing to do seemed to descend into the hall and look at the Visitors' List, which he promptly did.
There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for. Zalenska--she was possibly Russian after all. And what was her christian name? That he longed to know.
As he stood staring, his fair forehead puckered into a frown of thought, the silver-haired servant came up behind him and said, with his respectful, dignified bearing: "De la part de Madame," handing Paul a letter the while.
What could it contain?
But this was not the moment for speculation--he would read and see.
He turned his back on the servant, and walked towards the light, while he tore open the envelope. It had the most minute sphinx in the corner, and the paper was un-English, and rather thin.
This was what he read: "Morning.
"Paul, I am young to-day, and we must see the blue lake and the green trees. Come to the landing towards the station, and I will call for you in my launch. And you shall be young, too, Paul--and teach me! Give Dmitry the answer."
"The answer is, 'Yes, immediately'--tell Madame," Paul said.
And then he trod on air until he arrived at the landing she had indicated. Soon the launch glided up, he saw her there reclining under an awning of striped green.
It was a well-arranged launch, the comfortable deck-chairs were in the bows, and the steering took place from a raised perch behind the cabin, so the two were practically alone. The lady was in grey to-day, and it suited her strangely. Her eyes gleamed at him, full of mischief, under her large grey hat.
Paul drew his chair a little forward, turning it so that he could look at her without restraint.
"How good of you to send for me," he said delightedly.
She smiled a radiant smile. "Was it? I am capricious, I did not think of the good for you, only I wanted you--to please myself. I wish to be foolish to-day, Paul, and see your eyes dance, and watch the light on your curls."