At that instant there was a heavy peal at the front door bell.
[CHAPTER XXI.]
"Florence," repeated Royal Ainsley, his face white as death, his teeth chattering, "order the servants not to answer the bell!"
But it was too late; the door had already swung back on its hinges. An instant later the servant appeared with a card.
"A gentleman, miss," he said. "I told him you were not at home, as you requested."
Florence St. John held the card in her white fingers.
"You see, it was not a lady," she said, half amused at his agitation.
He drew a breath of intense relief.
"Pardon me, Florence," he said. "I—I—thought it was one of your girl friends who was about to share your attention with me. I gave way to my annoyance. Be kind, and forget it. Remember the old adage: 'One finds much to pardon in a man who is in love.'"