“How on earth did I what ?” she exclaimed. “Why, I just got into the train and came here. What else is the railway meant for? But you thought that I had turned up my toes and left my property to the lot of you. Oh, I know all about the telegrams which you have been dispatching. They must have cost you a pretty sum, I should think, for telegrams are not sent from abroad for nothing. Well, I picked up my heels, and came here. Who is this Frenchman? Monsieur de Griers, I suppose?”

“ Oui, madame ,” assented De Griers. “ Et, croyez, je suis si enchanté! Votre santé⁠—c’est un miracle vous voir ici. Une surprise charmante! ”