“I scarcely understand,” she said, “what business it is of yours. Since you ask me, however, I have no objection to telling you that I did see Lord Wolfenden. He remained some time here with me after Mr. Sabin left.”
“Perhaps,” Miss Merton suggested, with acidity, “that was why I was sent out of the way.”
Helène looked at her through half-closed eyes.
“I am afraid,” she said, “that you are a very impertinent young woman. Be so good as to put that locket upon the table and leave the room.”
The girl did neither. On the contrary, she slipped the locket into the bosom of her gown.
“I will take care of this,” she remarked.
Helène laid her hand upon the bell.
“I am afraid,” she said, “that you must be unwell. I am going to ring the bell. Perhaps you will be good enough to place the locket on that table and leave the room.”
Miss Merton drew herself up angrily.
“I have a better claim upon the locket than any one,” she said. “I am seeing Lord Wolfenden constantly. I will give it to him.”