He had an engaging voice and a still more engaging smile.
"You may have heard about me from your husband. I was awfully sorry to miss you when I called before I went to Norway. I only came back this morning, but I made Hannay invite me."
Anne murmured some suitable politeness. She said afterwards that her instinct had warned her against Mr. Gorst, with his restlessness and brilliance; but, as a matter of fact, her instinct had done nothing of the sort, and his manners had prejudiced her in his favour. Fanny Eliott had told her that he belonged to a very old Lincolnshire family. There was a distinction about him. And he really had a particularly engaging smile.
So she received him amiably; so amiably that Majendie, who had been observing their encounter with an intent and rather anxious interest, appeared finally reassured. He joined them, releasing himself adroitly from Sir Rigley Barker.
"How's Edith?" said Mr. Gorst.
His use of the name and something in his intonation made Anne attentive.
"She's better," said Majendie. "Come and see her soon."
"Oh, rather. I'll come round to-morrow. If," he added, "Mrs. Majendie will permit me."
"Mrs. Majendie," said her husband, "will be delighted."
Anne smiled assent. Her amiability extended even to Mrs. Hannay, who had risen to it, so far, well.