“Of course, Lady Tilborough calls occasionally, and I am compelled to be civil to her; but I wish you to avoid all communication with her and her friends as much as possible.”
“Oh, I never see her, auntie, except when she’s driving. I’ve met her sometimes when I’ve been out with uncle.”
Lady Lisle winced. “Not lately, Sydney dear?” she said after a pause.
“Not very lately, auntie. Last time it was when Dr Granton—”
“That person who comes and stays at Tilborough?”
“Yes, auntie; uncle’s old friend.”
Lady Lisle winced again.
“He’s an awfully jolly chap. You like him, auntie?”
“No, my child, I do not. Your uncle’s old friends of his bachelor days belong to quite a different world from mine.”
“But he’s a clever doctor, auntie. Done uncle no end of good. Proper sort of chap to know.”