"Of course, I'll take your note to her, sir," said the girl; "but that isn't promising she'll see you."
Somehow the idea formed itself in Varrick's mind that it was Mrs. Northrup for whom the man asked. Had he thought for one moment that it was Gerelda whom the man had asked for, he would have stepped forth and inquired of him what he wanted.
In a very few moments he heard the frou-frou of a woman's garments and the patter of hurrying feet.
"Gerelda has come instead of her mother to see what this person wants," he thought; adding impatiently: "This will never do; we shall be late for the train, sure. I will have to take the man off her hands."
At that instant, Gerelda, panting with excitement sprung across the threshold of the conservatory.
From his leafy seat Varrick could hear and s
