Gracie, looking wan and subdued, sat on the end of Jeanie's sofa; but she sprang to meet Avery the moment she appeared.
Avery sat down, holding the child's hand in hers.

She glanced round the table as she did so.
"Where is Julian ?" "Upstairs," said Ronald briefly.

"In disgrace." Avery felt her heart contract with a sick sense of further trouble in the air.

"Has he been there all day ?" she asked.

Ronald nodded.