“Do tell me the reason, please.”
Dr. Pawley lowered his voice.
“You see, his two little girls died of diphtheria long ago.”
“But what on earth has that got to do with his coming here? Surely he can’t blame my mother?”
“I can’t go into that with you, Cicely. Speaking personally, I blame John Gridley. He knew well enough that Farleigh’s cottage was hardly fit for habitation.”
Cicely stared at him.
“Why, it’s the prettiest cottage in Upworthy.”
As she spoke Lady Selina bore down upon them, in full sail before a brisk breeze of popularity. The Olympians had finished their tea; games were started by the children; the sun shone in cloudless skies.
“My congratulations,” murmured Pawley, as Lady Selina paused in front of him.
“Yes; the dear things do appreciate what one does for them. I was just thinking to myself that this is England at her best. Will you come back to my room, doctor? I want a word with you.”