"Perhaps she wouldn't. It's not much of a place where she lives."
"But I want you to give her a message, if you will."
"Of course. What is it?"
"An invitation. It's for you too, if you will accept it. But perhaps you've made arrangements already—for Christmas, I mean."
Maggy shook her head. Her Christmas would have to be spent alone in her flat. It did not occur to her that Chalfont was making her an alternative proposition.
"In that case I shall be very glad if you and Miss Hersey will spend it with me at Purton Towers."
Maggy started. Lexie and she and he all together at Christmas time! At Purton Towers!
"Is that your country-house?" she faltered.
"Yes. You'll come? We should be rather quiet because—"
"Because of poor Mrs. Lambert," she interjected with quick understanding. "Was—was she there with you last year?"