"And was I—er—how was I?"
"Just a little cheerful, sir—nothing more. Inclined to sing 'Rule Britannia.'"
"What an extraordinary thing," said Jimmy. "'Rule Britannia,' eh? I cannot imagine myself in a sober state ever singing 'Rule Britannia.' Some latent patriotism must have emerged under the stimulus of—er—just a couple too many. I was celebrating at the 'Mustard and Cress,' I remember. Not nearly such an innocent spot as it sounds, Stevens." He paused. "I was wondering—"
"Yes, sir?"
"I was wondering whether under the aforementioned stimulus I had put an advertisement in a newspaper asking for a nursery governess or something of that sort."
Stevens coughed.
"Two girls turning up. It looks odd. I shall eschew the 'Mustard and Cress' in future. That's a good word, Stevens—eschew—I met it in a cross-word the other day and took a fancy to it."
Whilst he was talking Jimmy was rapidly apparelling himself. At the end of ten minutes he was ready to face his unknown guests. As he opened the door of his sitting-room the first person he saw was a dark, slim girl who was totally unknown to him. She was standing by the mantelpiece, leaning against it. Then his glance went on to the big leather covered arm-chair, and his heart missed a beat. Loraine!
It was she who rose and spoke first a little nervously.
"You must be very surprised to see me. But I had to come. I'll explain in a minute. This is Lady Eileen Brent."