“Thank-you, dear. Will you put it down for me?”
Caroline did as she was asked and when she turned again to Lord Brecon, he was sitting back in his chair relaxed. She had the impression that his face had not entirely regained its composure, but he did not glance in her direction. Instead he rose to his feet a little stiffly as if the action were somewhat of an effort.
“I must go now, Mother,” he said, “my guests should be arriving.”
“That will be nice for you, dear,” Lady Brecon said. “Come and say good-night to me if you can, but if you are detained I shall understand.”
Lord Brecon went towards the door. As he reached it, his mother asked,
“Do you wish Miss Fry to join you at dinner, Vane? Or have you too many women in your party already?”
“No, of course, we shall be pleased to see M
