"Only one box and those bags ?" he asked, smiling.

"Why, that's most moderate.
Please come in." And he led the way to the drawing-room.

Reassured by his kind voice and manner, Mrs.Friend tripped after him.

"What a charming man!" she thought.
It was a common generalization about Lord Buntingford.

Mrs.Friend had still--like others--to discover that it did not take one very far.
In the drawing-room, which was hung with French engravings mostly after Watteau, and boasted a faded Aubusson carpet, a tea-table was set out.
Lord Buntingford, having pushed forward a seat for his guest, went towards the tea-table, and then thought better of it.
"Perhaps you'll pour out tea--" he said pleasantly.