When she came back it was in the rear of Charlotte De Stancy.

Miss De Stancy had a tumbler in one hand, half full of wine, which she offered him; Paula remaining in the background.
He took the glass, and, to satisfy his companions, drank a mouthful or two, though there was really nothing whatever the matter with him beyond the slight ache above mentioned.

Charlotte was going to retire, but Paula said, quite anxiously, 'You will stay with me, Charlotte, won't you?
Surely you are interested in what I am doing ?' 'What is it ?' said Miss De Stancy.
'Planning how to mend and enlarge the castle.

Tell Mr.Somerset what I want done in the quadrangle--you know quite well--and I will walk on.' She walked on; but instead of talking on the subject as directed, Charlotte and Somerset followed chatting on indifferent matters.

They came to an inner court and found Paula standing there.
She met Miss De Stancy with a smile.