As they followed the butler through the outer hall, a babel of voices made itself heard, and when he threw open the door into the inner hall, they found themselves ushered into a large party.
There was a pleased exclamation from a tall fair man standing near the fire, who came forward at once to meet them.
"So glad to see you! But we hoped for you earlier! Mother, here is Miss Mallory." Lady Lucy, a woman of sixty, still slender and stately, greeted them kindly, Mrs.Colwood was introduced, and room was made for the new-comers in the circle round the tea-table, which was presided over by a lady with red hair and an eye-glass, who gave a hand to Diana, and a bow, or more precisely a nod, to Mrs.Colwood.
"I'm Oliver's sister--my name's Fotheringham.

That's my cousin--Madeleine Varley.

Madeleine, find me some cups! This is Mr.
Ferrier--Mr.Ferrier, Miss Mallory .-- expect you know Lady Niton .-- Sir James Chide, Miss Mallory .-- Perhaps that'll do to begin with!" said Mrs.
Fotheringham, carelessly, glancing at a further group of people.

"Now I'll give you some tea." Diana sat down, very shy, and a little flushed.

Mr.Marsham hovered about her, inducing her to loosen her furs, bringing her tea, and asking questions about her settlement at Beechcote.