He was engaged just now in looking feverishly for an old gardening book which he had promised to lend Mrs.
Crofton, and he was cursing under his breath because the book had been mislaid.
As Rosamund looked in, her step-mother and Radmore both stopped speaking abruptly, and so after a doubtful moment, she withdrew her head, and shut the door behind her.
"Tell me about George," he said, without looking at her.
"I think Betty would like to tell you," she answered slowly: "Ask her about him some time when you're alone together." "Where is she now ?" he asked abruptly.
"In the kitchen I think--but she won't be long." Jack, looking ruffled and uneasy, very unlike his quiet, cool self, burst into the room.

"I can't think where that old shabby green gardening book has gone, Janet.

Do you know where it is ?" "You mean 'Gardening for Ladies' ?" "Yes." "What on earth d'you want it for ?" "For Mrs.Crofton.Her garden's been awfully neglected." "I'll find it presently.

I think it's in my bedroom." Again the door shut, and Janet turned to Radmore: "Your friend has made a conquest of Jack!" She spoke with a touch of rather studied unconcern, for she had been a little taken aback last evening when Timmy had told her casually of his own and his godfather's call at The Trellis House.
"My friend ?" Radmore repeated uncertainly.
"I mean Mrs.Crofton.The coming of a new person to live in Beechfield is still quite an event, Godfrey." "I don't think she'll make much difference to Beechfield," again he spoke with a touch of hesitation.

"To tell you the truth, Janet, I rather wonder that she decided to live in the country at all.