“Ees thees the honorable Meester Topham?” she asked in a high harsh voice.
Topham nodded. “Yes!” he said, briefly. “You look for me, eh?” he questioned, inanely.
“He-e-e-sh!” The girl giggled. It struck Topham that there was something artificial about that giggle. It sounded stagy. Besides there was nothing for the girl to laugh at—unless it were himself. He moved uncomfortably.
“The honorable meester want to see honorable lady?”
“Ah!” Topham drew in his breath sharply. So this was it!
“Yes! Yes!” he answered, eagerly. “You come from her? Where is she?
“You love—honorable lady?” squeaked the girl.
Topham was past caution now. “More than life,” he cried. “Take me to her! Quick!”
The girl bowed humbly. “Honorable gentleman follow,” she commanded and turned away down a white path that led into the depths of the garden.
Topham followed eagerly. All around him the grasses rustled in the night breeze. The crossed branches of the trees rubbed softly against each other. The scent of the water lilies grew sweeter.