She sat behind a table put crosswise of a remote corner, and offered tea to people whom a niece of hers received provisionally or sped finally in the outer room.

They did not usually take tea, and when they did they did not usually drink it; but Beaton was, feverishly glad of his cup; he took rum and lemon in it, and stood talking at Mrs.Horn's side till the next arrival should displace him: he talked in his French manner.
"I have been hoping to see you," she said.

"I wanted to ask you about the Leightons.

Did they really come ?" "I believe so.

They are in town--yes.