"Probably not. Margot, pet, I can't possibly lunch with you to-morrow!"
"Don't say you back out because of the book! Fits has got it now under the sofa." Fits was Franky's lady bull-terrier. "And by the time she's done with it there won't be much left. Say you'll come!" Margot urged. "Franky's got to test a new car—so Rhona Helvellyn's coming with two or three Militant pals of hers. I'll give you lobster Américaine and cold lamb in mint aspic—and strawberry mousse. There!"
"I'm frightfully sorry, my dinkie, but it simply can't be!"
"What tosh! And we're going to talk over ideas for speeches at the Monster Meeting of Women in October at the Royal Hall. And Rhona has a Grand Slam in the way of surprises—did she say anything to you about the Mansion House Banquet demonstration she's thought of for Monday night?"
"Yes, and I'm down on it—like houses!" declared Patrine. "Is Rhona really spoiling for a taste of skilly and yard-exercise? Don't you get mixed up. Think of Franky reading the paragraphs: 'POPULAR YOUNG PEERESS ON THE SUFFRAGE WAR-PATH. SOCIETY BEAUTY HECKLES THE LORD MAYOR! VISCOUNTESS NORWATER BURSTS UPON BANQUETING BISHOPS, IN THE CHARACTER OF A WOMAN WHO WANTS A VOTE!'"
Patrine called good-bye and rang off, turning with the smile upon her lips to see Sherbrand standing behind her with a long white coat upon his arm.
"I have brought you a wrap. A lady forgot it here the other day. Let me help you to put it on."
Patrine shivered as he drew the large loose garment round her. It was a white Malta blanket-coat, very soft and fleecy and warm.
"Shall we have another turn on the Grounds before the Doctor's car——" Sherbrand was beginning, when the Chief removed the Wireless head-band and came forward.
"Miss Saxham, I must detain you for a minute, I am afraid."