"Marriner," said Mrs. Verulam, "this is Mrs. Van Adam. I want you to take great care of her. She has come from Florida."
"A long distance, indeed, ma'am. I trust the oranges are doing well, ma'am?"
Chloe turned paler, and Mrs. Verulam said hastily:
"Never mind the oranges, Marriner. Mrs. Van Adam is going to engage a maid in London. Meanwhile I know you will see that she is perfectly comfortable in every way."
"Certainly, ma'am."
"Marriner will show you your room, Chloe; and tea will be ready as soon as you are."
Mrs. Van Adam followed the faithful Marriner towards the door. Reaching it, she looked back at Mrs. Verulam, exclaimed, "I am going to put on a tailor-made costume," and vanished.
Just as the door shut, Mrs. Verulam heard the voice of Marriner saying:
"I trust, ma'am, the stairs will not inconvenience you. In Florida I am aware that the one-storey residence and the ample veranda are quite the mode."