“I am never sarcastic at the expense of my patients,” I responded.
“But I presume I am a friend. Do your friends fare any better?”
“With my friends it is quite different. I myself am generally the object of their sarcasm.”
They both laughed.
“How hot it is this morning,” observed the mysterious Feo. “I’ve only been in town three days, and shall be very glad to get back again into the country.”
“To what part are you going?” I inquired.
“Only to Whitton, near Hounslow, to visit the Chetwodes. Do you know them?”
“No,” I replied. “Are you staying there long?”
“Oh, a fortnight or so,” she replied. “The Chetwode girls were at school with me near Paris, and we are very good friends. They always have a big house-party at this time of the year, and there is usually lots of fun.”
“You’re quite right, dear,” exclaimed her cousin, rising. “We must really make haste if we are to do all our shopping and catch the five o’clock from Waterloo. In Maud’s letter, this morning, she says she will send the carriage to meet that train.”