Josephine received her altogether unexpected visitor that afternoon with a certain amount of trepidation, mingled with considerable distaste.

Mr.
Peter Phipps' manner, however, went far towards disarming resentment.

He was suave, restrained and exceedingly apologetic.
"If I have taken a liberty in coming to see you, Lady Dredlinton, without a direct invitation, I am going to apologise right away," he said.

"I don't get much of an opportunity of a chat with you while the others are all around, and I felt this afternoon like taking my chance of finding you at home." "I am always glad to see my husband's friends," Josephine replied a little stiffly.

"As a matter of fact, however, I was surprised to see you because I left word that I was at home to only one caller." "Fortunate person!" Mr.Phipps declared with a sigh.