She must know exactly how she stood with him, what he thought of her.

She turned impulsively to Mr.Hazlewood.
"I haven't been asked, but may I come to dinner?
You see I owe a good deal to Mr.Thresk." Mr.Hazlewood was for the moment at a loss.

He had not lost hope that between now and dinner-time explanations would be given which would banish Stella Ballantyne altogether from Little Beeding.

But he had no excuse ready and he stammered out: "Of course, my dear.

Didn't I ask you?
I must have forgotten.