"I expect, madam, you will be surprised that I come to you, but I believe you will be interested in what I have to say, and I have always known that you were a sensible, cool-headed lady."
This was said gravely, without a hint of flattery. Susannah was impressed with a sense of something weighty behind the words—the image of Selina, of Rose, flashed through her mind. What had happened?
"Sit down," she said, controlling herself, "and tell me your errand."
Honoria calmly seated herself on one of the gilt chairs, and clasped her mittened hands in her lap.
"My Lady Agatha is out?" she asked.
"Yes, I am alone."
Honoria regarded her shrewdly.
"You know, madam, that my mistress came here this afternoon?"
"No," answered Susannah. "I have been abroad all day."