Miss Welwyn shook her head.
"Not now," she said. She spoke with more freedom. The restraint of her surroundings was wearing off, and her courage, which was considerable, was beginning to assert itself. "He is in the City. He dislikes it very much, poor boy. He is so fond of open-air sports, and he finds an office very trying. My father was a great sportsman, too. He used to go racing a good deal at one time, but he has given it up now. He says he is on the shelf."
"And he was a Fellow of his College, I think you said?" remarked Lady Adela, a little bored with this prattle.
"Yes--Fellow and Tutor."
"But he is no longer in residence, you say?"
"No," said Tilly briefly.
There is something shady about the poor child's father, wrote Mrs. Carmyle, but Lady A. has got no change out of her so far.
"I am looking forward greatly to making your father's acquaintance, Miss Welwyn," said Lady Adela, with absolute sincerity. "Now, I wonder if I know any of your mother's people. I don't think you have mentioned her maiden name."
"She was a Banks," replied Miss Welwyn readily.
Bill, dear, this little girl is splendid! recorded Connie enthusiastically.