Then a knock came to the door, and Beryl rushed in. "Gervase has come, dear," she said, excitedly.
"Yes, I heard his voice."
"But are you not coming down at once?"
"I cannot very well," she answered, with a smile.
"But he will be terribly disappointed. His first inquiry was for you."
"We shall meet in the drawing-room before dinner is announced."
"But what must I tell him?"
"Anything you like, dear."
Beryl departed with a pout, and a look of disappointment in her eyes. A little later there was a sound of heavy footsteps on the stairs.