“I will accept that,” Anna said, “as accounting for the surprise. Perhaps you will now explain the alarm.”
Miss Pellissier was beginning to recover herself. She too at once developed an anxious interest in the street outside.
“I am sure, Anna,” she said, “I do not see why we should conceal the truth from you. We are expecting a visit from Sir John Ferringhall at any moment. He is coming here to tea.”
“Well?” Anna remarked calmly.
“Sir John,” her aunt repeated, with thin emphasis, “is coming to see your sister.”
Anna drummed impatiently with her fingers against the arm of her chair.
“Well!” she declared good-humouredly. “I shan’t eat him.”
Miss Pellissier stiffened visibly.
“This is not a matter altogether for levity, Anna,” she said. “Your sister’s future is at stake. I imagine that even you must realize that this is of some importance.”