One morning I saw some cards lying on the hall table. Coralie was standing near when I took them up. "Sir John Thesiger," "Lady Thesiger."
"That is a new name," I said to mademoiselle.
When she took the card from my hand and saw it, a dark look came over her face; I saw her lips close more firmly.
"Have you not heard of the Thesigers? I thought every one knew Sir John. They live at Harden Manor, about five miles from here."
"Are they old friends of the family?" I asked.
Again the darkening look and the tightening lips.
"Both Sir Barnard and Miles knew them, but I cannot say whether they were very great friends. Shall you call?"
She asked the question carelessly, but I saw that she was awaiting my reply with painful anxiety.
"Yes, I shall go; I like to be on friendly and intimate terms with all my neighbors. Sir John is the Tory member for Chingwell, is he not?"
"Yes," she replied, shortly.