"Does the ice bear?"
"Yes, they're skating on the Grange lake. I met Hume, Bannister's friend, and he told me Bannister was there."
"Wasn't he going? I rather like him."
"No, he was walking with Miss Fane. I believe I rather put my foot in it by asking her if she wasn't going."
"Why shouldn't you?"
"She said she didn't know Mrs. Delane, and looked confused, don't you know."
"Hasn't Mrs. Delane called?"
"It seems not," said Sir Harry.
"I wonder how long they are going to stay at Littlehill?"
"Forever, apparently. Shall you come to the lake?"