CHAPTER XXIIILady Margaret's arrival was as smooth and bland as a summer's day. Jean, who had expected to rank as a culprit, found herself being treated with the consideration due to a cherished invalid. Reggie was out; when he came in, barely in time to dress for dinner, he was in a vile temper backed by a long series of cocktails.
He controlled his temper as he controlled his cocktails, but, in order to do so, his manner sank below zero. His solicitude had the edge of a knife and his compliments chilled to the bone.
All through dinner Jean fluttered helplessly from subject to subject like a tramp moved on by the police; only Lady Margaret remained benevolent and unruffled--looking very handsome in wine-colour and pearls--and full of racy innocuous gossip. After dinner, unable to face e
