“I’ve a good notion to strike up a flirtation with Mademoiselle Pauline, to relieve the tedium of the hours.  Who knows what result it might have?” thinking that perhaps such a move might arouse a feeling of jealousy in Lady Ruth’s heart, and thus disclose to herself the state of her feelings.

“Who knows, indeed?  Be careful, Sir Lionel.  Pauline is a bewitching creature.  She may add your heart to her list of conquests.”

“Well, if I entered the lists, I’d give as good as I received,” complacently stroking his luxuriant mustache.

“Jove!  I really believe you would.  And I’m human enough, having adored the bright star in vain, to wish that some one else might cause the beautiful Pauline to feel some of the pangs she gave us.  If the notion strikes you, colonel, I wish you success.”

Then John immediately branches out upon another subject.

The seed is sown.  It will require a little time to germinate, and then perhaps the result may prove satisfactory.

So much for a beginning.

When John finds himself alone, he sets to work trying to kindle a counter irritant, a congenial flame that will burn in the heart of the actress.

Securing a beautiful bouquet of flowers he fastens to them a card upon which he has written in a hand somewhat like the bold chirography of the veteran, the words: 

“A compliment to beauty and histrionic renown.”

This he first shows to Lady Ruth.

Then a servant is hired to take it to the room of Pauline Potter, and he is to utterly refuse any information beyond the fact that a gentleman paid him to do it.

Of course this will excite the curiosity of the actress, and further developments may soon be expected.

John, in a secure corner, waits, nor does he have long to watch before Pauline appears, going straight to the desk where lies the ponderous tome in which have registered men of note from all over the world.

She is looking for a signature that will in some degree at least correspond with the writing of the note found among the flowers.  Only a few minutes she remains there, and then turning away, gives the watchful John a chance to see the smile on her face.

Pauline has, as she believes, discovered the identity of the unknown who sent the flowers.

The little side plot works apace, since each of them already feels an interest in the other.  The flame being kindled, the fire will grow of its own accord.

He believes he can turn his attention to other things if necessary.

The remainder of the day is put in with sight-seeing.  John notes one thing.  Sir Lionel leaves them after a time and saunters back to the hotel.  When this occurs, Lady Ruth and the doctor exchange significant looks.  They understand that already the seed is beginning to sprout, and the absence of the Englishman is a positive relief to them.

Duncan Craig accompanies the party.  Aunt Gwen has already taken a great fancy to the gentleman, and makes it as pleasant for him as possible.