And, as no practical problem could be put before her without her wishing to solve it autocratically, Lady Ogram soon formed a project with regard to these two persons, a project which took firmer consistence, and pleased her more, the more she pondered it.
On the appointed day, Lashmar arrived at Rivenoak.

He was allowed to spend an hour in reposeful solitude ere being admitted to his hostess's presence.

Conducted at length to the green drawing-room, he found Lady Ogram alone.

She scrutinised him with friendly but searching eye, gave him her hand, and bade him be seated near her.
"I have another visitor coming from London to-day; an old friend of mine, Mrs.Toplady." Where had Dyce heard that name?
Somewhere, certainly.

He tried hard to remember, but without success.
"I think you will like her," pursued Lady Ogram, "and she will perhaps be useful to you.