"You forget," said he, with mock gravity, "that you give me your invaluable services as house-keeper, and that so far you have received no salary."
There was a knock at the outer door.
"Is it nine o'clock already?" he said, in an altered tone.
"Whom do you expect, papa?"
"Gathorne Edwards."
"Then I will send you in coffee to the study."
But presently Anneli came into the room.
"Pardon, Fraulein, but the gentleman wishes to see you for one minute."
"Let him come in here, then."
Edwards came in, and shook hands with Natalie in an embarrassed manner. Then he produced a little packet.