“I mean REALLY independent. ’ ‘We had other matters on hand this morning,’ Roding told him sharply. " "Why, surely you don't think your guests would steal them," observed Rachel, archly. And who is the man you are not allowed to marry? Valade, perhaps?’ ‘Dieu du ciel,’ exclaimed the girl, jumping up. He was an old, skilled vampire. ’ ‘But you don’t look anything like her,’ burst out Mrs Ibstock.