"Carnations!" she said.
"From Mitching Dean."
"They are lovely. Thank you so much!"
"Not at all. May I venture to hope that—that they are worthy of a place in your own room?"
"I will have them put in water there at once."
She rang the bell and gave the bouquet to Francis, with orders that the faithful Marriner was at once to dispose the flowers about her boudoir. Mr. Rodney's face expressed a gentle relief. He almost permitted himself the luxury of a cheerful smile as he sat down and prepared to unfold his last new mission.
"I was just writing the invitations for my Ascot party," Mrs. Verulam said lightly.
"Ah, it was about that I ventured to call," said Mr. Rodney, with a thin animation. "Last night I succeeded in my endeavour. I put the corner-stone to my temple of negotiations. I clinched the bargain with Mr. Lite."
"How good of you! What was the dinner like?"
Mr. Rodney went a little pale, and hurried on: