CHAPTER 9Mrs. Merridew turned from the window with a sound of dismay.
“Oh dear!” she said. “She has done it again! I can’t think how she can—so dreadfully awkward!” Then, as she encountered Miss Silver’s enquiring glance and heard Miss Crewe’s deep voice at the front door, she added hastily, “I will tell you afterwards, my dear,” and assumed the posture of one who has just risen from her chair to receive a guest.
The door was opened by Florrie, who herself remained unseen. Lydia Crewe came into the room. She had discarded her coat and appeared immensely tall and thin in the straight dark tweeds. There was a double string of pearls about her neck, and a valuable diamond brooch on the lapel. She did not exactly smile, but her face relaxed to a quite noticeable extent as she greeted her hos
