“Rosemary,” said Aunt Peace, “that means remembrance, and the mignonette means the hope of love. A very pretty message for a fairy to leave among your vegetables.”
“Very pretty,” repeated the Doctor, nodding appreciation.
Iris feared they heard the loud beating of her heart. “What do you think?” asked Lynn, turning to her. “Was it a fairy?”
“Of course,” she returned, with assumed indifference. “Who else?”
There was silence then, and in the house the clock struck ten. They heard it plainly, and the Doctor, with a start of recollection, took out his huge silver watch.
“I had no idea it was so late,” he said. “I must go.”
“One moment, Doctor,” began Miss Field, putting out a restraining hand. “Let me offer you some refreshment before you start upon that long walk. Iris?”
“Yes, Aunt Peace.”
“Those little cakes that we had for tea—there may be one or two left—and is there not a little wine?”
“I’ll see.”