If it had not rained on a certain May morning Valancy Stirling's whole life would have been entirely different.

But, despite the delights before her--'the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome'--lure of the ageless Nile--glamour of the Riviera--mosque and palace and minaret--she knew perfectly well that no spot or palace or home in the world could ever possess the sorcery of her Blue Castle.