Gardenia raised her large eyes to him.
“Lord Hartcourt asked me particularly to come here this evening,” she said, “at half-past five and bring him this aquarium. I am afraid he must have forgotten our appointment.”
“His Lordship is playing polo, I think, miss,” the butler said and Gardenia’s heart gave a little throb of relief.
“In that case perhaps I could put the aquarium in his sitting room. I am afraid that I must carry it there myself because it is very easy to upset the water and that disturbs the fish.”
“Very well, miss. If you will come this way.”
The butler did not hesitate as an older man would have done at the unconventionality of a young lady going up to his Lordship’s private rooms.
He led the way and Gardenia followed him slowly. The water in the tank was inclined to s
