“Thank you. It was very good of you. I'm sorry Bryan isn't in yet. Will you have some tea?”
“I've had tea; but do let's sit down. How do you find the hotel?”
“Very nice.”
On a velvet lounge that had survived the renovation, they sat side by side, screwed round toward each other.
“Bryan's told me what a pleasant time you had abroad. He's looking very well, I think. I'm devoted to him, you know.”
Gyp answered softly:
“Yes, you must be.” And her heart felt suddenly as hard as flint.
Lady Summerhay gave her a quick look.
“I—I hope you won't mind my being frank—I've been so worried. It's an unhappy position, isn't it?” Gyp did not answer, and she hurried on. “If there's anything I can do to help, I should be so glad—it must be horrid for you.”
Gyp said very quietly: