XVIJim came down to Chantreys the following morning. He was received by Harriet with indifference, by Lilian with an intensification of her usual somewhat fluttered and inconsequent manner. Left alone with Anne for a moment, he said in a low voice,
“I want to talk to you. Get your hat on and come out.”
When Lilian reappeared he said, “We’re going out.”
Lilian said, “Oh?” and then quickly, “Well, it’s not very convenient, not at all convenient, but if you want—only after lunch would be much better.”
“I shan’t be here after lunch. I’ve just come down for an hour to see Anne. It is Anne and I who are going out.”
“Oh?” Lilian looked cross and offended. “Of course, if that is what you want you must do just as you like.”
He turned to Anne.
“Put on your things and come along, will you?”
L
