Long before dinner-time her voice failed, and she had no choice but to withdraw into privacy, leaving Constance Bride to play the hostess.

Alone with a companion of not much more than her own age, Miss Tomalin manifested relief; she began to move about, looking at things with frank curiosity, and talking in a more girlish way.

The evening was cloudy, and did not tempt forth, but May asked whether they could not walk a little in the garden.
"This is a beautiful place! I shall enjoy myself here tremendously! And it's all so unexpected.

Of course you know, Miss Bride, that I had never heard of Lady Ogram until a few days ago ?" "Yes, I have heard the story." "Do let us get our hats and run out.

I want to see everything." They went into the garden, and May, whilst delighting in all she saw, asked a multitude of questions about her great-aunt.