[Illustration: They turned to see the Duchess]
They all rose; and the Honourable John Ruffin said calmly:
"How are you, Caroline? I suppose you motored down. Charming weather for motoring."
"Very," said the duchess in a terrible voice. "And a charming gathering I find at the end of it."
"Yes; sit down and have some tea. You must be thirsty," said the Honourable John Ruffin.
"How are you, Caroline? Sit down and have some tea," said the duke, seizing on the opening, in rather uncertain tones.
"Tea!" said the duchess, in a yet more terrible voice.
"And bread and butter," said the duke hastily.