"I have heard so much of you, Mr. Carr, that we seem like old friends. I am glad you have come to see me so soon."
"My being here this evening is an accident, Lady Hartledon, as you may see by my dress," he returned. "I ought rather to apologize for intruding on you in the hour of your arrival."
"Don't talk about intrusion," said Val. "You will never be an intruder in my house—and Anne's smile is telling you the same—"
"Who's that, pray?"
The interruption came from the countess-dowager. There she stood, near the door, in a yellow gown and green turban. Val drew himself up and approached her, his wife still on his arm. "Madam," said he, in reply to her question, "this is my wife, Lady Hartledon."
The dowager's gauzes made acquaintance with the carpet in so elaborate a curtsey as to savour of mockery, but her eyes were turned up to the ceiling; not a word or look gave she to the young lady.
"The other one, I meant," cried she, nodding towards Thomas Carr.
"It is my friend Mr. Carr. You appear to have forgotten him."
"I hope you are well, ma'am," said he, advancing towards her.
Another curtsey, and the countess-dowager fanned herself, and sailed towards the fireplace.