And I had lost myself.
The next day was Sunday. In the morning Hermione came to carry Bettina off for their last day together. I had to promise that, if Ranny should come to Duncombe, I would send for Betty.
As I sat with my mother, that same afternoon, the door opened, and there was the maid bringing in Mr. Annan.
I think I scarcely spoke or moved.
It was my mother who said: "I thought you would come to say good-bye."
"'Good-bye'?" Then, with unusual brusquerie where my mother was concerned, he added: "When I come to see people, what I say is, 'How do you do?'"
"But aren't you going away to-morrow?"
"Why should I?"
"Why, to catch the Nautch Girl."