“Please don’t hesitate to say so,” she went on, half turning away, “if you think Madame’s request unreasonable. I really don’t see myself why you should consent. I am simply the bearer of a message.”
“My dear young lady, pray sit down,” Mr. Johnson invited, pushing a wicker chair towards her. “Please assure Madame—I fear that her name is a little beyond me—that I should be very glad indeed for Smith to continue to render her the services which he has hitherto performed.”
“As to remuneration,” she began——
Mr. Johnson waved his hand.
“Pray settle that with the man himself,” he begged. “I shall allow him his half an hour off each day—he has an under gardener and can spare the time. It is only a neighbourly action. Anything Madame may choose to give him is no concern of mine.”
“You are very kind,” she said doubtfully, “but I do not think that Madame will care to accept the man’s services in your time without seeing that you are recompensed.”
“Make your own arrangements then,” he suggested. “The matter is scarcely worth serious discussion.”
The young woman rose.
“You are very kind,” she repeated. “You must excuse my having come to see you in this informal fashion. It was Madame’s desire, and I have to obey orders.”
“I will excuse it, my dear young lady,” he declared, “on one condition.”