"I can quite believe it; when a man like Draycott is concerned, I should imagine that you could turn him inside out like an old glove."
"I don't know about the old glove, but I do mean to do something like turn him inside out, and the process is going to begin next week. Sydney has been too long under a cloud which was none of his making; I am going to bring him out from under it into the sun. I am going to do it single-handed; and it's because I am so sure that I shall do it that I cannot be unhappy. Major Reith, I talk like a braggart of doing it all single-handed; but all the same I am conscious that occasion may arrive when I shall require some assistance; if I do, will you give it?"
"I will give you, very gladly, all the assistance which, in such a position, a man may give to a woman."
"Then--that's all right. Thank you, Major Reith."
In her left hand she had the bunch of primroses, which she held close to her face; her right she held out to him.
CHAPTER XII
["What Does it Mean?"]
The night of the Easter Ball--the event of the year at Avonham.
The Countess of Cantyre, on her way to the scene of action, looked in on Miss Violet Forster. That young lady, apparently already fully equipped, seated in an arm-chair, was studying what seemed to be a small memorandum book. She looked up as the Countess entered. Her ladyship came well into the centre of the room, drew herself to her full height, which was less than she would have liked it to be, and slowly revolved in a complete circle, by way of exhibiting her plumes for the lady's inspection. When she had made an end, she prompted the criticism which did not come.
"Well?"