At half-past seven there was a knock at the door. She opened it and saw her maid.
"If you please, miss, Mrs. Mansfield wishes to know whether you feel rested enough to dine downstairs."
"Yes, I do. Just tell mother, and then come back, please, Halton."
When Halton came Charmian watched her almost as a cat does a mouse, and presently surprised an inquiring look that degenerated into a look of suspicion.
"What's the matter, Halton?"
"Nothing, miss. Which dress will you wear?"
So Halton had guessed, or had suspected—there was not much difference between the two mental processes.
"The green one I took on the yacht."
"Yes, miss."
"Or the—wait a minute."