But Barbara's attention, had wandered off again into that queer medley of thoughts, and feelings, out of which the little man had so abruptly roused her. Then she realized that the meeting was breaking up, and her mother saying:
“Now, my dear, it's hospital day. We've just time.”
When they were once more in the car, she leaned back very silent, watching the traffic.
Lady Valleys eyed her sidelong.
“What a little bombshell,” she said, “from that small person! He must have got in by mistake. I hear Mr. Courtier has a card for Helen Gloucester's ball to-night, Babs.”
“Poor man!”
“You will be there,” said Lady Valleys dryly.
Barbara drew back into her corner.
“Don't tease me, Mother!”
An expression of compunction crossed Lady Valleys' face; she tried to possess herself of Barbara's hand. But that languid hand did not return her squeeze.