But now Lady Wychcote was speaking again. She had followed them out into the corridor.
"Oh ... by the way ... I'm sorry to detain you, but I want to mention something about Robert...."
The spent life in Sophy leaped like flame in the draught of a suddenly opened door.
"Yes?" she said.
"The poor boy was so upset by your being so late that I promised him a trip to the glass-works to divert him."
"That was very kind of you," murmured Sophy.
Lady Wychcote continued:
"So, if you've no objection, we are to go to Murano rather early to-morrow morning.... A sort of all-day affair. We'll lunch there...."
"No, of course I don't object. I think it's very kind of you," said Sophy.
"Then ... good night," said Lady Wychcote.