"No doubt," said John, gently.
Then she allowed him to examine the rest of the cabinet, whilst she talked on, always of Peter—his horsemanship and his shooting and his prowess in every kind of sport and game.
* * * * *
Meanwhile, Lady Belstone was holding a hurried consultation with her sister.
"How thoughtless you are, Georgina, asking our cousin into the dining-room just when Ash must be laying the cloth for dinner. He will be sadly put about."
"Dear, dear, it quite slipped my memory, Isabella."
"You have no head at all, Georgina."
"Can I frame an excuse?" said Miss Crewys, piteously, "or will he think it discourteous?"
"Leave it to me, Georgina," said Lady Belstone, with the air of a diplomat. "Mary, my love!"
Lady Mary started. "Yes, Isabella."