“No, he’s not come with me,” he said. “He couldn’t manage to come.”
He spoke quickly and low to Violet.
“Get up, dear, and take her away,” he said. “I want to have my dinner in peace.”
“What is that you’re saying, Colin?” asked Lady Yardley.
“Nothing, Granny. Now you go and sit in the gallery, and presently we’ll have our game of whist.”
“But I want to have my dinner with you,” said she.
Something ugly and impatient gleamed in those blue eyes of his for a moment, but it sheathed itself again.
“Nonsense, Granny,” he said. “You’ve had your dinner.”
Violet had come round the table.
“Won’t you let her stop with you,” she said quietly. “She’s been looking out for you all the evening.”