Virginia raised her eyes, and looked for a moment into the face of the woman who sat by her side.
"Yes, Lady Medlincourt," she answered; "I do hope you will not be angry."
"Angry! My dear child, I am never angry," Lady Medlincourt declared. "I have arrived at that time in life when one cannot afford the luxury of giving way to emotion. You won't mind my asking you a few questions, though, both of you. To begin with, I do not know your name. Who are you?"
Guy leaned a little forward.
"She will be Duchess of Mowbray in a very short time, aunt," he said.
"Please don't forget that."
Lady Medlincourt raised her eyebrows.
"Bless the boy!" she exclaimed. "As though I were likely to! I can feel it go shivering down my backbone all the time. Sit here for a moment, both of you. I am going to give Jameson orders myself not to admit any one for a little while."
She crossed the room and they were alone for a moment. They exchanged quick glances, and Guy laughed at the consternation in Virginia's face.
"Don't be scared, little woman," he said. "You'll get on all right with my aunt, I am sure. She is a little odd just at first, and she hates to show any feeling about anything, but she's a thundering good sort."
"She seems just a little casual, doesn't she?" Virginia asked—"rather as though you had brought me to call?"