Arriving half an hour before, Dymchurch found his hostess in the open-air theatre, beset with managerial cares, whilst her company, already dressed for their parts, sat together under the greenwood tree, and a few guests strayed about the grass.

He had met Lady Honeybourne only once, and that a couple of years ago; with difficulty they recognised each other.

Lord Honeybourne, she told him, had hoped to be here, but the missing of a steamer (he had run over, just for a day or two, to Jamaica) would make him too late.
"You know Miss Tomalin ?" the lady added with a bright smile.

"She has been lunching with me, and we are great friends.

I wish I had known her sooner; she would have had a part.