Esmé had rushed into this new scheme.
"It won't cost much, will it?" she asked.
"Secretaries, workers, chérie," prattled Dollie, "have all expenses paid. All frocks, frills, etc.; they give their valuable time. Come with me to Claire's. She is at least original."
Dollie's maid brought in two cards. Mrs Gresham frowned over them.
"The tiresome secretary of the hospital," she said, "and Canon Bright, one of the founders. Look charitable, Esmé."
Next moment, all smiles, she greeted a kindly-looking, middle-aged man and a grey-haired clergyman; a stern-faced, clear-eyed man, who made this hospital for little suffering children his hobby.
They overwhelmed Dollie with thanks.
"This debt"—Canon Bright took out some notes of figures—"was weighing us down. Now, with your help, it will be paid off, and we shall have something besides to go on with, to buy sorely-needed appliances."
"Oh, of course," said Dollie, vaguely.
"We were looking for some kind lady or society to take it up; fortunately you met Mr Lucy at luncheon."