"Um"—doubtfully; "I think she has plenty to say for herself. Who is she when she is at home?"
"She is married to Captain Eustace, who hunts the Halstead hounds. They have no children, and travel a good deal."
"We have been globe-trotting, as usual," resumed Lady Ida, once more addressing Verona. "The doctors would not allow Cecil to winter in England—such a blow for him. Do you know what has chiefly impressed me in India?—the cold!"
Verona smiled and said, "I have not felt it yet!"
"I do assure you I never was prepared for it. At Delhi I simply could not sleep at night, and Cecil actually had to pile Persian rugs on his bed. I suppose you have done no end of sight-seeing?"
"No, indeed. I only began yesterday."
"What have you been about, you lazy girl? Well, we move on to Benares day after to-morrow, and you had better come too?"
"I am afraid I could not manage that—thank you very much, Lady Ida."
"Pray who is your chaperon? Do let me ask her? Who brought you to the ball?"
"A friend, Mrs. Lepell."