Page:Herbert Jenkins - The Rain Girl.djvu/274

 "Here, be careful," said the boy, "they're flowers;" but the man did not appear to hear, having suddenly caught sight of Lord Drewitt.

"Mr. Beresford in?" he asked.

"Yes, my lord. Perhaps you'll step into the lift, my lord, and I'll take you up."

The porter followed with the parcel.

"I suppose Mr. Beresford is in?" "Yes, my lord," said the porter. "He has only just finished breakfast."

Lord Drewitt was well known to the porter, who had instructions always to show him up without any preliminary announcement. The man therefore opened the outer door of the flat with his key, and announced the visitor, at the same time laying the parcel upon the table, after which he withdrew.

For a moment the two men gazed at each other, then with a sigh Drewitt sank into a chair opposite his cousin.

"I have often wondered," he remarked, "how you manage to live without Hoskins."

Beresford did not reply; but pushed across the cigarettes to Drewitt, who selected one with great care, lighted it, and the two continued to smoke in silence.

"Lunching anywhere?" enquired Drewitt.

Beresford shook his head and proceeded to undo the parcel.

With great care he opened out the sheets and exposed a magnificent shower-bouquet of white and clove carnations, tied with broad myrtle-green