Agatha looked along the road as she spoke, and Alick's eyes followed her gaze.
'Here she comes; I know her walk!' he exclaimed. 'Rapid, defiant, and indifferent to all around!'
'You shall not talk of her like that,' remonstrated Elfie, 'and it isn't true of her.'
'I admire her awfully, only I'm just a little bit afraid of her.'
'I don't believe you're afraid of any one!'
Here Gwen appeared on the scene. She seemed flushed and rather perturbed.
'Have I got my business done satisfactorily? Yes, I hope I have. Agatha, I am famishing; have you got anything for me to eat? That's right. I will go straight into the dining-room now.'
Agatha followed her in.
'You look tired out. Sit down, and I will pour you out a cup of coffee. I expected you back earlier.'
'I was detained.'