It was not entirely Amanda’s fault that she had such a low opinion of herself, for no one else from her mother downwards, had ever encouraged her to think anything else. But now she was orphaned, her cousin Phillipa had invited her for a long holiday in Holland, and perhaps this would be Amanda’s chance to make a fresh start. It was hardly encouraging therefore, soon after she had arrived, to overhear herself described ‘as looking like a crow’ by the elegant Louis Meyering. Stung, Amanda at last determined to do something about her appearance - with such success that soon Louis was driving her all over Holland. All seemed set fair for Amanda - until the redoubtable Hermien Van Beizon arrived on the scene.