For a moment the two footmen stared at one another. Then—
"Glad to see you, Walters," said Lyveden heartily.
"Same to you, sir," said Walters, touching his hat. "An', beggin' your pardon, sir, is Lady 'Elen at 'ome?"
"There's no Lady Helen here," said Lyveden. "This is Mrs. Slumper's house."
"Oh, very good, sir," said Walters jerkily. "Sorry to 'ave troubled you, sir." He touched his hat and turned away nervously….
Anthony continued to hold the door open till the car should have passed on.
Walters was making his report. It appeared that this was unsatisfactory, for a moment later he was again at the door.
"Excuse me, sir, but would you speak to my lady?"
Lyveden descended the steps.
From the luxury of a smart landaulette a dame of some consequence regarded him shrewdly. She had, of course, witnessed the comedy upon the steps.