22/38 His mother, with a little gasp, caught him by the arm instinctively. There was a general rise and a movement of confusion, till the new-comer, advancing, offered her hand to Daphne. The butler told me you had only been here a few days. But Lady Barnes and your husband are such old friends of mine that, as soon as I heard--through our old postmistress, I think--that you had arrived, I thought I might venture." The charming voice dropped, and the speaker waited, smiling, her eyes fixed on Daphne. Daphne had taken her hand in some bewilderment, and was now looking at her husband for assistance. |