I was just beginning to wish that she would sit down and let me question her in my turn, when she suddenly put up her eye-glasses and burst into a most musical little laugh.
'Oh, do come here, Miss Garston; this is too amusing! There goes her majesty Gladys of Gladwyn, accompanied by her prime minister.

Don't they look as though they were walking in the Row ?--heads up--everything in perfect trim! They are coming to call--yes!--no!--They are going to the Cockaignes first.

What an escape! my dear creature, if they come here I shall fly to Mrs.Barton.The prime minister's airs will be too much for my gravity.' I gave her a very divided attention, for I was watching Miss Hamilton and her companion with much interest.

I could see that Miss Darrell was chatting volubly; but Miss Hamilton's face looked as grave and impassive as it had looked on Sunday.

When they had passed out of sight I turned to Lady Betty rather eagerly; she had dropped her eye-glasses, but an amused smile still played round her lips.
'_La belle cousine_ is improving the occasion as usual.