“Why should you complain? Have you not heard that Lily de Mabillon is known as the Queen of Demi-Paris?”
The old man gave a cackle of laughter that Gardenia could not help feeling was meant unkindly. But there was nothing she could say and anyway she did not comprehend what the woman had meant.
Now her aunt had reached the door of the dining room and the ladies were crowding out after her. Only one was left behind on the other side of the table.
Before she moved she put up a long white arm, drew the head of the man sitting beside her down towards her own and kissed him passionately on the lips.
Gardenia stared in amazement. She had never imagined any lady would do such a thing at a dinner party or indeed anywhere where she might be seen.
The handsome young man sprawling back in his ch
