CHAPTER VIII.
Charlotte and Mr.Brand had not returned when they reached the house; but the Baroness had come to tea, and Robert Acton also, who now regularly asked for a place at this generous repast or made his appearance later in the evening.

Clifford Wentworth, with his juvenile growl, remarked upon it.
"You are always coming to tea nowadays, Robert," he said.

"I should think you had drunk enough tea in China." "Since when is Mr.Acton more frequent ?" asked the Baroness.
"Since you came," said Clifford.

"It seems as if you were a kind of attraction." "I suppose I am a curiosity," said the Baroness.

"Give me time and I will make you a salon." "It would fall to pieces after you go!" exclaimed Acton.
"Don't talk about her going, in that familiar way," Clifford said.