The sight of her fetched Sir Walter out of his chair so suddenly that he upset his coffee cup.
'Mary, my dear, how did you manage it?
I didn't expect you till the late train.' 'I was in London, you see, and they telephoned on your telegram.

I'm staying with Aunt Doria, and I cut her theatre party.

She thinks I'm at the Shandwick's dance, so I needn't go home till morning ...

Good evening, General Hannay.

You got over the Hill Difficulty.' 'The next stage is the Valley of Humiliation,' I answered.
'So it would appear,' she said gravely, and sat very quietly on the edge of Sir Walter's chair with her small, cool hand upon his.
I had been picturing her in my recollection as very young and glimmering, a dancing, exquisite child.