"I am sorry, madam, but nothing has been noticed here," the footman was replying, when his mistress stepped forward.
The visitor turned, and Regina saw she was face to face with the beautiful, cameo-like countenance she had seen in the velvet case in Everest's room at Stossop. She recognised it instantly—in fact it was such a striking face, and of such a marked type, it would have been quite impossible not to do so. For the first instant Regina thought that the girl had come to see her. Then she remembered that, though she, Regina, knew her by her portrait and through Everest's remarks, the girl had never seen and probably never heard of herself, and was in ignorance equally of Everest's being at this address. It was just a strange chance that had brought them together.
"I have lost my pocket-book, with all my notes in it—so tiresome!" the girl was saying, as she turned to Regina.
"I called to see the flat above, and mistook the number. I came in here before I discovered my mistake, and so I thought I might have dropped my book here, as I can't find it anywhere else. I am tired to death with looking at flats and worrying over them and now, in addition, to lose my pocket-book...."
She looked very tired, her face was flushed, she seemed nervous and half-inclined to cry.
A thought came to Regina that she would like to see more of her. She was truly beautiful, and she was Everest's cousin.
"I am so sorry," she said aloud, "but won't you come in and rest for a few moments, and have tea with me? I am quite alone, and just going to have mine."
The girl hesitated. Behind Regina she could see the luxurious and inviting room, with its tea-table, burdened with good things. She was dreadfully tired and thirsty ... her motor was downstairs at the door, and could easily wait ... tea would be delightful and she could spin home afterwards in no time.
"Oh, thanks.... Well, do you know, I think I will really.... It is too kind of you...."
"I shall be delighted," returned Regina. And the footman closed the door, while the two women passed into the drawing-room.