CHAPTER VI.
The Visit The following afternoon Edith was standing by the piano in her condensed white drawing-room, trying over a song, which she was accompanying with one hand, when to her surprise the maid announced 'Mr Aylmer Ross.' It was a warm day, and though there was a fire the windows were open, letting in the scent of the mauve and pink hyacinths in the little window-boxes.

She thought as she came forward to meet him that he seemed entirely different from last night.

Her first impression was that he was too big for the room, her second that he was very handsome, and also a little agitated.
'I really hardly know how to apologise, Mrs Ottley.

I oughtn't to have turned up in this cool way.

But your husband has kindly asked me to dine with you tonight, and I wasn't sure of the time.