"I am going back to Paris this evening," he went on, "to stay with my
sister for a couple of nights. So if you can come to-morrow to lunch, as
I think my sister has asked you to do, I will meet you at the station."
After breakfast they went out into the garden, and when they were free of
the house Count Paul said suddenly,
"I told Marie-Anne that you were fond of riding, and, with your
permission, she proposes to send over a horse for you every morning.
And, Madame--forgive me--but I told her I feared you had no riding habit!
You and she, however, are much the same height, and she thinks that she
might be able to lend you one if you will honour her by accepting the
loan of it during the time you are at Lacville."
Sylvia was bewildered, she scarcely knew how to accept so much kindness.
"If you will write a line to my sister some time to-day," continued the
Count, "I will be the bearer of your letter."
* * * * *
That day marked a very great advance in the friendship of Sylvia Bailey
and Paul de Virieu.
Till that day, much as he had talked to her about himself and his life,
and the many curious adventures he had had, for he had travelled a great
deal, and was a cultivated man, he had very seldom spoken to her of his
relations.
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