"My name must be familiar to you," he replied gravely.
She paused a second, slightly contracting her brows; then shook her head, with a smile.
"I am afraid—I have such a bad memory. But I am very glad to see you."
She put out her hand graciously. He barely touched it with his fingers.
"Pray sit down," she said, and took her own chair.
One felt the accomplished woman of the world. No awkwardness could exist where Lady Gerardine had the direction of affairs. Sweet, cool, aloof, the most exquisite courtesy marked her every gesture. Had the new comer been shy he must promptly have felt reassured; for a long-looked-for guest could not have been more easily welcomed.
"You will like some tea," said she. "Baby, why did not you order tea? Dear child, how hot you are!"
A faint ripple of laughter broke the composure of her countenance. Miss Cuningham ran to the door clapping her hands.
"Tea, Abdul," she cried. And, like the genie of the Persian fairy tale, the servant instantly stood salaaming on the threshold.
"Oh, Aunt Rosamond, may he not have a lemon-squash? Major Bethune, I am sure you would prefer a lemon-squash!"