There was a moment of blank surprise, then he rose to his feet.
"The world is a small place; how do you do?" he said calmly.
Mrs. Heriot found her voice, of which sheer astonishment had robbed her; she broke out volubly.
"Mr. Dakers, of all people! And Mrs. Lawless too! Who on earth would have dreamed of meeting you here? That must be your car in the yard!"
She shook hands with Marie. "The world is a small place, isn't it?"
"Are you staying here?" Marie asked. She did not care in the least, but it was something to say.
"Yes—with my sister. It's dull, but at week-ends we have quite a good time. You must come down," she added, turning to Feathers. "And how is Chris?"
"I left him in Scotland—golfing," Feathers said. "He is coming up to town this week."
"Really! How delightful! Bring him down, and we'll have a foursome. You don't play, do you, Mrs. Lawless? What a pity! Don't you care for the game?"
"I've never played."