“MacDonald? Well⁠—” Bundle hesitated. “One couldn’t exactly like MacDonald,” she explained apologetically. “But he’s a first-class gardener.”

“Oh! I know he is,” said Lady Coote.

She looked enviously at Bundle, who appeared to approach the task of keeping MacDonald in his place so light-heartedly.

“I’d just adore a high-toned garden,” said the Countess dreamily.

Bundle stared, but at that moment a diversion occurred. Jimmy Thesiger entered the room and spoke directly to her in a strange, hurried voice.

“I say, will you come and see those etchings now? They’re waiting for you.”

Bundle left the room hurriedly, Jimmy close behind her.