He pricked up his ears.
"Great End's hardly in old Frant's direction."
Camouflage, of course. Miss Shenstone understood perfectly.
"It won't take you far out of your way. I want Miss Leighton to send those two girls to the Armistice dance to-night if they'd like to come. Lady Alicia writes that several of her maids are down with the flu, and she asks me to give away two or three more tickets."
"Why doesn't Lady Alicia let the servants manage the thing themselves when she gives them a party? They ought to invite. I wouldn't be bossed if I were they," said the vicar, with vivacity.
"She's so particular about character, dear."
"So would they be. She hasn't been so very successful in her own case."
For the Shepherds' eldest daughter had just been figuring in a divorce case to the distress of the Shepherds' neighbours.
Miss Shenstone showed patience.
"I'll have the note ready directly."