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The room narrows My heart races From far away I hear myself ask,"The Order?"

"Yes She claims that she knows the secrets of a place called the realms, and that a woman named Circe wants all the power She claims she has driven herself mad in an atterasp" Toree with you, Mr Conrad, too hters And this is the cost I’rateful that Spence stresses the essentials of a lady’s training" Grande bite of chocolate cream into her mouth

It is all I can do not to bolt fro all over Soht be able to tell et to her

"What can be done for such a case?" Mr Conrad asks

"She does take some comfort from poetry The nurses read to her when they can"

"Perhaps I could read poetry to her?" I volunteer, hoping I don’t sound as desperate as I feel I would do anything to see this girl "Perhaps she would find soe, that is"

Simon’s father raises his wine to me "Our Miss Doyle is a very kind soul"

"She is our angel," Father says

No, I’ them so, but I must see Nell Hawkins

"Very well, then,"Toly "I shall take you tomorrow afternoon"

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

AFTER DESSERT HAS BEEN CLEARED AWAY, THE MEN are ready to have their brandy and cigars in the study while the women retire to the parlor for tea and talk

"Mother, I believe Miss Doyle would like to see the portrait of Grandfather," Si us on our way in I’ve heard no

"Yes, of course We shall all go," Lady Denby says

Si smile falters "I should hate to take you away from the fire, Mother It is a bit drafty in the library, you know"

"Nonsense, we shall bring our shawls and be fine You really e--he was painted by a Cotswold portraitist of great renown"