CHAPTER FIVEIt was with a considerable effort that the Marquis managed to force a smile to his lips.
“This is a great surprise, Locadi,” he said, “I was not expecting you.”
“As I did not hear from you, I felt sure you needed me,” Locadi stated calmly, “and I missed you, I missed you terribly.”
There was a throbbing note in her voice.
The Marquis turned hastily to Flora who had followed him into the room.
“Let me introduce, Miss Flora Romilly, who has been helping me to put things to rights on the estate, and we are now very busy arranging a village party to take place on Saturday.”
He spoke as if it was impossible for Locadi to take any part in it.
“Then I hope dear, clever Ivor,” she replied calmly, “that I may help you too. You know how much I admire you when you are organising th
