"I find the
locality most interesting, when I can see it. I can
patronize the Roman baths, and lunch at Dr. Johnson's
pet tavern, and attend service in the church of the real
Templars if I like. It is delightful. I did go to the
Temple Church a fortnight ago," she added, "and I saw
such a horrible thing that I am not sure that I will go
again. There is a beautiful old Crusader lying there in
stone, and on his feet a man who sat near had hung his
silk hat. And nobody interfered. Why do you laugh?"
When she had fairly gone Lawrence and Janet Cardiff looked
at each other and smiled. "Well!" cried Janet, "it's a
find, isn't it, daddy?"
Her father shrugged his shoulders. His manner said that
he was not pleased, but Janet found a tone in his voice
that told her the impression of Elfrida had not been
altogether distasteful.
"_Fin de siecle_," he said.
"Perhaps," Janet answered, looking out of the window, "a
little _fin de siecle_."
"Did you notice," asked Lawrence Cardiff, "that she didn't
tell you where she was living?"
"Didn't she? Neither she did. But we can easily find out
from John Kendal."
CHAPTER XIV.
Kendal hardly admitted to himself that his acquaintance
with Elfrida had gone beyond the point of impartial
observation.
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