Chapter XVI
THE DISCOMFITURE OF SIR JOHN
Sir John looked from one to the other of the two sisters. His face darkened.
“My arrival appears to be opportune,” he said stiffly. “I was hoping to be able to secure a few minutes’ conversation with you, Miss Pellissier. Perhaps my wife has already prepared you for what I wish to say.”
“Not in the least,” Anna answered calmly. “We have scarcely mentioned your name.”
Sir John coughed. He looked at Annabel, whose face was buried in her hands—he looked back at Anna, who was regarding him with an easy composure which secretly irritated him.
“It is concerning—our future relations,” Sir John pronounced ponderously.
“Indeed!” Anna answered indifferently. “That sounds interesting.”
Sir John frowned. Anna was unimpressed. Elegant, a little scornful, she leaned slightly against the back of a chair and looked him steadily in the eyes.