She scarcely took the pains to conceal her disapproval of this young man--so ordinary, so gauche.

Why Madame should waste her time upon such a one, she could not imagine! "Mrs.Gardner will see you directly," she told him.

"Madame is dressing now to go out for supper.

She will be able to spare you only a few seconds." Tavernake remained alone in the luxurious little sitting-room for nearly ten minutes.

Then the door of the inner room was opened and Elizabeth appeared.