“Bring her when you think it time,” she said. “Somehow I already believe that she may be something of what your fancy paints her. And that would be a miracle.”

“Truly she is a miracle,” I said earnestly.

“Then remember not to say it to Angelina Lansing — and above all never hint as much to Lana Helmer. Women are human; and pretty women perhaps a little less than human. Leave them to me. For if this romantic damsel be truly what you picture her, I’ll have to tell a pretty fib or two concerning her and you, I warrant you. Leave that saucy baggage, Lanette, to me, Euan. And you keep clear of her, too. She’s murderous to men’s peace of mind — more fatal than ever since Clarissa played the fool.”