Miss Sinquier looked intellectual.

“I find it hot!” she said.

“You do.”

“I find London really very hot.... It’s after the north, I suppose. In the north it’s always much cooler.”

“Are you from the north?”

“Yes, indeed she is,” Mrs. Sixsmith chimed in. “And so am I,” she said. “Two north-country girls!” she added gaily.

Sir Oliver spread sentimentally his feet.

“The swans at Blenheim; the peacocks at Warwick!” he sighed.

“What do you mean, Sir Oliver?”

“Intimate souvenirs....”