"Thompson's out, sir, and it's a lady to see you."
"A lady?" Neither the head nor the feet moved. "Oh, I say, Mary, it's the Pater she wants."
"She said you, sir."
"Don't you know her?"
"No, sir, and—and she's here," in a desperate voice, suddenly becoming aware of Nell's proximity.
"Here!" Down came the legs; up jumped Ted Lancaster.
"Oh, I say!" He stood facing Nell, red and uncomfortable. He gave his hair a surreptitious pat and flung his cigarette into the fire. Then he turned on Mary.
"Why did you show this lady in here? Where's Thompson?" he demanded angrily.
"He's out, sir, and—and—"
The sudden apathy of disappointment that had come over Nell broke.