"Yes: it's a becoming rôle—dressed by Paquin," said Cora de Grey drily. She never looked well, and had never had anything better than an Oxford Street gown on her back: but her tongue was as dry as the Karoo, and that helped her through a troublesome world.
Abinger began to stammer softly, and everybody listened.
"B-Bramham will be able to come forth at l-last. Mrs. Gru' has a new nut to crack."
He smiled sardonically and felt in all his pockets as though about to produce the nut—but everyone knew that this was merely a mannerism of his. Mrs. Portal looked at him apprehensively, however, and for one moment Poppy left off willing Eve Carson.
"And it will t-take her all her time to do it," he finished gently—even dreamily.
"You frighten me!" said Clem. "What can you mean?"
Poppy had the most need to be frightened, but she returned to her occupation. It was now Mary Capron's turn to intervene. Perhaps some of the "willing" had gone astray, for she had certainly given Poppy all her attention for the last five minutes.
"Miss Chard," she cried suddenly. "I keep wondering and wondering where I have seen you before. I know we have met."
Her tone expressed extraordinary conviction, and everyone gazed at Poppy with curiosity and even a faint hint of suspicion—except Clem, whose eyes were full of warmth and friendliness, and Carson, who pretended to be bored.
But Poppy only laughed a little—and by that had her will of Carson at last. He forgot to be bored, and gave her a long, deep look. Unfortunately, she was obliged to turn to Mrs. Capron at this moment to make an answer.