"Yes, half an hour ago. You slept late," said Mrs. Carroll.
"Let us have him in to amuse us," said Mrs. St. John, restlessly.
Mrs. Carroll rang a bell and a servant appeared.
"Tell Ninon to bring my son here," said Mrs. St. John.
Presently the little French maid appeared, leading the beautiful, richly-dressed child by the hand.
Little Jack rushed forward tumultuously and climbed into Xenie's lap. She kissed him fondly but carefully, taking care that he did not disarrange her hair or dress.
"Pretty mamma," whispered the dark-eyed child, patting her pale cheeks with his dimpled, white hand.
Mrs. St. John smiled proudly, and just then her mother said, with the air of one who vaguely recalls something:
"Did I dream it last night, Xenie, or did you tell me that Mr. Templeton is alive, and that he is coming here to-day?"