Aaron hesitated.
“You didn't expect me, then?”
“Yes, oh, yes. Yes, oh, yes. Very glad to see you—well, now, come in and have some dinner—”
At this moment Lady Franks appeared—short, rather plump, but erect and definite, in a black silk dress and pearls round her throat.
“How do you do? We are just at dinner,” she said. “You haven't eaten? No—well, then—would you like a bath now, or—?”
It was evident the Franks had dispensed much hospitality: much of it charitable. Aaron felt it.
“No,” he said. “I'll wash my hands and come straight in, shall I?”
“Yes, perhaps that would be better—”
“I'm afraid I am a nuisance.”
“Not at all—Beppe—” and she gave instructions in Italian.