Mrs.Errol, sensibly wrapped in a large motoring coat, was maintaining a cheery conversation with the rector, who looked cold and hungry and smiled bluely at everything she said.
Anne stood by her host and watched the gay scene silently.

"You ought to be skating," he said presently.
She shook her head.

"Not yet.

I like watching.

It makes me think of when I was a girl." "Not so very long ago, surely!" he said, with a smile.
"Seven years," she answered.
"My dear Lady Carfax!" "Yes, seven years," she repeated, and though she also smiled there was a note of unspeakable dreariness in her voice.