"No, half-past two. It is written on your invitation card. The invitation I sent you. For a business person you are not very accurate."
"Oh, well, my business things I naturally keep in files."
"And where do you keep my invitation?"
"On a gold chain between my vest and my heart," Rick said, and went the winner out of that exchange.
"Your cousin is charming," Lucy said, as they went up the steps together.
"You think so? I am very glad. I think so too. He has all the English virtues, and a little spice of something that is not English virtue at all. I am glad he is coming to see me dance on Friday. What makes you smile?"
Lucy, who had been smiling at this typically Desterro view of her cousin's presence on Friday, hastened to change the subject,
"Shouldn't you be going in by the other door?"
"Oh, yes, but I don't suppose anyone will mind. In a fortnight I shall be free to come up these steps if I like-I shall not like, incidentally-so I might as well use them now. I do not take well to tradesmen's entrances."
Lucy had meant to pay her respects to the Staff before going to her room in the wing, but the hall was so quiet, the air of the house so withdrawn, that she was discouraged and took the line of least resistance. She would see them all in the morning.