Coxon murmured a modest depreciation of his services, and said,
"I hope Miss Derosne is well?"
Something in his tones brought to his hostess one of those swift fits of repentance that were apt to wait for her whenever she allowed herself to treat this visitor with friendliness. He was so very prompt in responding!
"She is not very well," she answered, rather coldly.
"I—I hope I shall have the pleasure of seeing her?"
Mr. Coxon's wishes were fulfilled to the moment. The door opened and Alicia came in. On seeing him she stopped.
"Come in, Alicia," said Lady Eynesford. "Here's Mr. Coxon come to be congratulated."
Coxon stood up with a propitiatory smile.
"How do you do, Mr. Coxon?" said Alicia, giving him a limp hand. "Shall I ring for tea, Mary?"