"She has gone to get a hat," he answered. "We thought of going to the club for déjeuner."
She nodded.
"A delightful idea," she said. "Do invite me, and I will take you in the car. Mrs. Mannering likes motoring, I know."
"Of course!" he said. "We shall be delighted!"
She beckoned to her chauffer, who was in the courtyard. Just then Blanche came out. She had changed her gown for one of plain white serge, and she wore a hat of tuscan straw which Mannering had once admired.
"You won't mind motoring, Mrs. Mannering?" Berenice said, as she approached. "I have invited myself to luncheon with you, and I am going to take you round to the club in the car."
Blanche stood quite still for a moment. The sun was in her eyes, and she lowered her parasol for a moment.
"It will be very pleasant," she said, quietly, "only I think that I will go in and change my hat. I thought that we were going to walk."
She retraced her steps, walking a little wearily. Berenice came and sat down by Mannering's side.
"I hope Mrs. Mannering does not object to my coming," she said. "It occurred to me that she was not particularly cordial."