They went up to the front entrance, and Flossie rang the bell. Then she pressed her face against the glass of the side window.
“Oh, dear,” she said, “I see that dreadful, stately old-maidish Miss Aldworth coming downstairs. Don’t let her see me. Just let me hide behind you. There, that’s better.”
Pen stood back a little stiffly. Presently the door was opened by Marcia herself.
“How do you do, Flossie?” she said. “How do you do, Miss Carter?”
“I have come,” said Flossie, “to see Nesta. Where is she?”
“You cannot see her at present. She is engaged with her mother.”
“But mayn’t I just see her for the shortest of minutes?”
“I am sorry you cannot. Have you any message for me to take to her?”
“No; yes, that is if you are quite sure I can’t see her.”
“I am certain on the subject. She is very busy with her mother, and cannot possibly be disturbed until after the midday meal.”