Mrs. De Wolfe herself, in spite of all her engagements, has been mighty kind and friendly to me, and made me feel quite at home. When you look at the postcard of this place, and think of me, you will laugh at the idea. I play Bridge with her; my word! she is first class. Sees mistakes—but never scolds—not like you! Once she took me round the big garden all by myself. At the time, I felt it a tremendous honour, but on second thoughts, I believe she wanted to get something out of me about Nancy. She did her big best to pump me about Mayne,—and the reason of their coolness, but for once I was on my guard, and left her just as wise as ever! I'm afraid I told one or two small lies, but that under the circumstances, couldn't be helped. I'd give fifty rupees, cash down, to see her face, when she hears the truth. I'll write from London by next mail.
Your affectionate wife,
Susan Hicks.
CHAPTER XXXII
MRS. HICKS IMPARTS A SECRET
The letter from Mrs. Hicks to her "hubby" gave a fairly good sketch of events at the Court. There had been tennis, boating, Bridge, dancing, a certain amount of strolling about the lawns and turf walks, and sitting in rustic arbours, with congenial companions. Mrs. Hicks had played well, and vigorously in the married ladies against single, and it seemed to Mayne like good old days, when she served her cleverly placed balls, and shouted her triumphs.
On her arrival at the Court, Nancy, her neighbour, had taken her under her wing, inspected her wardrobe, subdued its too vivid colours with lace and chiffon, altered the style of her friend's hats with her own clever fingers, and made useful suggestions with regard to coiffure. Also, she gave her the names and characteristics of expected guests, and did her utmost to make her comfortable, and put her at her ease,—and Mrs. Hicks was not ungrateful. As she stood patiently, whilst the girl pinned and arranged a fichu upon her portly form, she said, "I declare to you, Nancy, you've done more to fix me up, and show me the ropes in two days, than my own girls in two years. Of course they are busy with their love affairs,—and you have none,—and it's your own fault. There isn't a young man I know, that can hold a candle to Mayne, as to looks and manners. He took the shine out of them all, at Jessie's wedding. Why can't you make it up?"
"It takes two to do that," said Nancy, as she took a pin out of her mouth.
"Ah, I suppose the letter you sent him choked him off? It's funny you and he being in the same set, and him coming to stay in this very house."
"Yes: too funny to be pleasant."