"There!" she said, "that will make sure you don't hurry back too soon, pretending you have had your breath of air."
The girl went into her own room and slipped on a hat and coat. While she tied a veil round her head she remembered that in the diamond star, which was the only thing in the house that was her own, a stone was loose. Since she must go in to the jeweller's on Lady Henrietta's trumped-up errand she might as well take it with her.
The motor was not round when she descended, and she sank into one of the deep chairs in the hall. When she was away from Barnaby the strength in her seemed to fail. It had been heavily tried, and the strain was telling on her, now that it was relaxed.
The tan that had been scattered on the avenue still deadened the sound of wheels. But she saw Macdonald, who was waiting to pack her into the car, moving to the door; and rising, she went towards it. She had not time to draw back as she saw her mistake, for Julia was on the steps.
Swift in seizing her opportunity the visitor walked in at the open door. There was something belligerent in her entrance.
"How is he?" she asked, without preamble, addressing Susan. Macdonald had fallen back discreetly.
"He is better," said Susan coldly. "I have to go out, Miss Kelly."
"I must see him," said Julia, in a low, intense voice that would not be denied. "I've tried and tried, but they never would let me in. You will take me to him."
"I?" said Susan.
Julia did not blench under these accents of proud surprise.