“There, I said so! That’s Lady Clara pouring tea. I say, but she’s a beauty! Isn’t she? No, no. Go to the front, driver. American ladies don’t call at the side.”

“There’s a hautomobile there, ma’m.”

“Then wait a moment. Don’t be a stupid.”

Thus, aided by the innkeeper’s clever daughter, Cassandra at last made her entrance properly and was guided to the presence of David’s mother, who had not joined her guests, having but just closed an interview with Mr. Stretton. As she saw Cassandra standing in the drawing-room waiting her, Lady Thryng came graciously forward. The lovely August weather had tempted every one out of doors, and the great room was left empty save for these two, David’s