Chapter XXXI

ANNA’S TEA PARTY

“I suppose you haven’t the least idea who I am,” Lady Lescelles said, as she settled herself in Anna’s most comfortable chair.

“I have heard of you, of course,” Anna answered hesitatingly, “but——”

“You cannot imagine what I have come to see you about. Well, I am Nigel Ennison’s sister!”

“Oh!” Anna said.

“Nigel is like all men,” Lady Lescelles continued. “He is a sad blunderer. He has helped me out of scrapes though, no end of times. He is an awfully good sort—and now he has come to me to help him if I can. Do you know that he is very much in love with you?”

Anna smiled.

“Well,” she admitted. “He has said something of the sort.”