"It isn't necessary to watch them any longer," she said very sweetly. Mr. Doxey retired to the group near the windows.
"Thanks," said Bosworth, bowing to her.
"Pardon me," said his father, "but I understood Mrs. Scoville was at dinner."
"That was some time ago, Mr. Van Pycke," the girl said quickly. "She just had to change her gown, you know."
"Spilled something on it?" he queried. "These confounded servants are so—"
"Won't you sit down?" she interrupted. Bosworth noted a sudden touch of nervousness in her manner. For some reason she bit her lip as she looked in the direction of the dummies.
"If you don't mind," mumbled Mr. Van Pycke, "I think I'll go upstairs and change my shoes and trousers." He started for the door.
Miss Downing stood aghast—petrified.