He stood up.
She hesitated for one moment.
“Do you think Rupert has not been sincere with Madeline?”
“I can’t say. I wouldn’t go so far as that. I think he varies—likes the contrast between the two. But if he decides to marry, I don’t think he’d propose to Miss Chivvey. Well, good-bye. I won’t call again till you ask me.”
Her look of obvious relief as she smilingly held out her hand piqued him into saying:
“I see you want your time to yourself more. Before I go, will you answer me one little question?”
He still held her hand. She took it away.
“What is the question?”
“Who sent you those flowers, Bertha?”