He was shown into the music-room and was admiring a genuine Greuze when Mrs. Chichester came in.
She greeted him tragically and motioned him to a seat beside her.
"Well?" he smiled cheerfully. "And how is our little protegee?"
"Sit down," replied Mrs. Chichester, sombrely.
"Thank you."
He sat beside her, waited a moment, then, with some sense of misgiving, asked: "Everything going well, I hope?"
"Far from it." And Mrs. Chichester shook her head sadly.
"Indeed?" His misgivings deepened.
"I want you to understand one thing, Mr. Hawkes," and tears welled up into the old lady's eyes: "I have done my best."
"I am sure of that, Mrs. Chichester," assured the lawyer, growing more and more apprehensive.