“Not the pearl suite, nor the diamond suite, nor the emerald suite, nor any of them,” replied Esmeralda, firmly. “Stay; give me my Australian heart.” She caught sight of the locket Norman had given her, and pointed to it. “That, too,” she said.
Barker could have groaned aloud.
“How will you wear them both, my lady?” she asked.
“Put them where you like,” said Esmeralda.
Barker twisted the chain of the locket into a bracelet and despairfully slipped it over Esmeralda’s wrist. As she did so, there came a knock at the door. Barker opened it. It was Lady Ada; she was in her dressing-robe.
“Oh, Barker,” she said, “can you find me a small piece of ribbon to match this? I meant to buy a piece at Belmont to-day, but quite forgot it. Oh, Esmeralda, I didn’t see you! Don’t let me worry you, but I thought perhaps Barker might have something of the kind.”
“Come in,” said Esmeralda. “I dare say Barker will be able to find you what you want. She generally has a milliner’s shop somewhere about.”
“Oh, thank you so much!” murmured Lady Ada. “But aren’t you going to dress?”
“I am dressed,” said Esmeralda.
Lady Ada looked at her in astonishment.