"A call with a purpose sounds very serious," prompted Julia.
Sir Simeon's wife smiled diplomatically. "The fact is, dear Mrs. Cavendish, that I want you to dine with us. Next Thursday. You will, won't you? Although it is such a short invitation. We shall be quite a small party--not more than twenty at the outside. And will you bring your son?"
"My son----" Julia, whose inclination was to decline--for some time now, late nights had wearied her--became visibly more gracious.
"Yes. My cousin Hermione--poor dear, what a time she's been going through--and all this publicity--so distressing for everybody--says he was simply charming to her during the case. So wise! So calm! So helpful! You must be very proud of your son, Mrs. Cavendish."
Not for nothing had the heiress of The Raneegunge Jute and Cotton Mills married an ambassador!
"Ronnie's coming to dinner this evening," said Ronnie's mother. "If he's free on Thursday we shall both be delighted. May I telephone you?"
2
Ronnie, who had been watching the polo at Ranelagh, arrived ten minutes late for dinner.
He came unannounced into the drawing-room; kissed his mother; complimented her on her clothes (she had changed into a dinner-gown in his honor); and inquired about the afternoon.
"Dullish," pronounced Julia--and broached the Brunton invitation.