The Stretton Street Affair by William le Queux

Punctually at three o'clock next afternoon the buxom Italian maid in dainty apron, ushered me into Mrs. Cullerton's charming _salone_. From the long windows a magnificent view spread away across the green valley of the Ema to the great monastery of the Certosa, a huge mediaeval pile which resembled a mediaeval fortress standing boldly against the background of the rolling Apennines.

Scarcely had I stood there a moment when my blue-eyed young hostess, in a becoming black-and-cherry frock, entered, and greeting me, closed the door.