She experienced a strange sensation--a mixture of disappointment and relief when she realized it was not Martinworth's voice, but a woman's, that she heard in the hall.
The next moment Lady Martinworth entered the room.
She made a considerable noise as she strode with long steps toward Pearl, who was standing erect, with a slight look of defiance in her wide-open eyes.
"How do you do, Mrs. Norrywood," she exclaimed, holding out a large hand. "I saw you at the garden party, easily found out where you lived, and thought it best to come on here without delay, to have a necessary yarn with you. No objection, I suppose, to my bearding you in your den like this?" she added, with a broad, decidedly good-natured smile.
Pearl drew herself up, and threw her head back in a manner peculiar to herself. She felt completely mistress of her actions, quite ready for the fray, as she answered calmly:
"Before proceeding further in our interview, Lady Martinworth," the name stuck in her throat, "I think it best that you should be aware that I am known here under the name of Nugent. Will you not sit down?"
"Thanks. Oh! so you have changed your name," was the reply. "Well, perhaps it is just as well in the circumstances."
"I am glad it meets with your approval. May I offer you a cup of tea, or perhaps a cigarette? You smoke, I believe?"
"Thanks, yes, I smoke. Oh! Egyptians, I see. Fearfully doctored, you know. Couldn't think of drinking tea. I ate enough of that spread this afternoon to last me for a week. Pretty sight, but I was dying to get away to have a smoke, and now, like a good Samaritan, you have come to my rescue." Another broad smile.
Then followed a silence which Pearl for one was determined not to break.