'Then she'll have to make an excuse, and come too.'
'Ah, it wouldn't be quite the same if she did that.'
But Jean had thought it out. 'Aunt Ellen and I could get back quite well in time for dinner.'
The group that had closed about the departing guest dissolved.
'Why are you saying good-bye as if you were never coming back?' Lord John demanded.
'One never knows,' Miss Levering laughed. 'Maybe I shan't come back.'
'Don't talk as if you meant never!' said Mrs. Freddy.
'Perhaps I do mean never.' She nodded to Stonor.
He bowed ceremoniously.