“It is time to go home to luncheon,” said Wynnette, “and I am starved.”
They turned their steps toward their hotel and reached it in time to join Mr. and Mrs. Force and Odalite at luncheon at their usual hour.
That afternoon, while Mr. Force was taking his daily nap and the young girls were resting in their chambers, the earl found himself alone with his sister in their private parlor.
“Elfrida,” he said, “I want you to tell me something about this little protégé of yours.”
“Rosemary Hedge?”
“Yes.”
“Well, she is the daughter of the late Capt. Hedge, of the merchant service, and of his wife, Dorothy Grandiere, the daughter of the late Gideon Grandiere, of St. Mary’s. Her family is one of the oldest and best in the State. And her friends have intrusted her to us for the benefit of travel. That is all there is about Rosemary Hedge.”
“No, not quite all. The little one tells me that she is engaged to be married.”
“Who? Rosemary?”
“Yes.”