"Don't ask tiresome riddles, Nathalie," pleaded Jean, "but tell us."
"Mrs. Archer."
Miss Stuart looked blank; Helen laughed softly, and Jean handed Miss Stuart her cup of tea with a disgusted expression on her bonny face.
"You must, indeed, be in the depths to call that good news," she said scornfully.
"I didn't say good news. I said news," Nathalie retorted triumphantly, "and in any case I think Mrs. Archer is a godsend after the monotony of the last few days."
Miss Stuart smiled faintly for Nathalie, but echoed her sentiments.
"I think Cliff's mother is a charming woman," interposed Helen. "She is somewhat overbearing and imposing, but I know she does not mean to be disagreeable."
"I like her," maintained Nathalie. "She is so worldly, so thoroughly magnificent."
Jean laughed and meekly took her cup of tea from Helen.
"I have not another word to say. I suppose the truth is that I am mortally afraid of Mrs. Archer. She completely subdues me."