Part 36 (1/2)

They moved together through the big, comfortable hall to the room from whence issued a babel of voices and music and laughter.

”I want you to give me five minutes either to-day or to-morrow,” said Haverford, in answer to this; and Caroline coloured hotly.

”Mrs. Lancing has just been telling me a little more about myself,” she said nervously.

The warm colour in her cheeks was reflected in Rupert Haverford's face.

His manner was rather abrupt, and his voice hard, as he said--

”I am sorry Camilla has spoken of this subject, for I particularly wished to broach it to you myself.”

At that moment Betty caught sight of her, and Caroline had no opportunity of replying. The child rushed towards them; her cheeks were flaming, and her beautiful little head was crowned with a tinsel cap.

”Oh, you have found her!” she cried. ”We have been wanting you ever such a lot, Caroline. Where have you been congregating to? Baby's beginning to make a nice noise. She's sitting on Aunty Brenny's knee now, saying that she feels like to cry.” Then eagerly, ”Caroline, I needn't go to bed yet, need I.... Say I needn't?”

Mrs. Brenton looked relieved to see Caroline. In her lap sat a very tired, a very cross, and much tumbled, lace-trimmed small person.

Caroline held out her arms.

”Come along, sweetheart, and Caroline will tell you a lovely story all to yourself.”

”Shall I carry her?” Haverford asked.

Caroline shook her head.

”Oh no; she isn't a bit heavy!”

She closed her arms round her little charge. Baby rested her flushed cheek against the girl's pale one, and her tiny arms were tightly pressed round Caroline's neck.

As Haverford opened the door for her, Caroline gave him a bright little nod as she pa.s.sed out.

”I think I shall say 'good night'” she said, ”for I shall not come down again this evening. Baby wants to say 'good night' too, darling, don't you?”

Rupert Haverford stooped, and the child turned and kissed him fondly.

His head was very close to Caroline; she noticed how crisply his brown hair curled just at the sides, and what fine brows he had. Baby refused to let him go--refused to be taken from Caroline's arms, and so, as the girl walked slowly up the stairs, Rupert Haverford followed close behind. He had hold of the child's small fingers over Caroline's shoulder; every now and then she felt the warm touch of his hand and wrist rest on her shoulder.

When the long corridor was reached, with babyish inconsequence, Caroline's small burden elected to go to his strong arms, and he carried her right into the nursery.

”Can you manage quite alone?” he asked, as this haven was reached, so cosy and quiet and warm. ”Won't you have a maid or some one to help you?”

But Caroline shook her head, and so, with a parting kiss to the child, he turned away.

At the door he paused.

”If you see Camilla, will you say that I entreat her not to come down unless she is much better? I understand she sat up nearly all night with Lady Pamela, and she is not strong enough to do these sort of things. She wants nursing herself.”

Caroline frowned sharply, and made no reply; indeed, she was so silent during the preparations for the bath that Baby made loud complaint; she wanted her story and her usual lullaby songs. It was long before the girl's composure returned to her.

As she sat rocking the sleepy child in front of the fire, she took herself to task a second time that day.