Jimmy blushed and mumbled.
"I thought you got on very well with one of those girls at Chimneys that time—Vera Daventry."
"Socks?"
"They do call her that," admitted Lady Coote. "I can't think why. It isn't pretty."
"Oh, she's a topper," said Jimmy. "I'd like to meet her again."
"She's coming down to stay with us next week-end."
"Is she?" said Jimmy, trying to infuse a large amount of wistful longing into the two words.
"Yes. Would—would you like to come?"'
"I would," said Jimmy heartily. "Thanks ever so much, Lady Coote."
And reiterating fervent thanks, he left her.