Lady Gertrude and Isobel had already gone out together, bent upon some parochial errand in the village, so that Nan was alone with her thoughts.

And they were not particularly pleasant ones.
"Sandy!" She greeted him with outstretched hands.

"You angel boy! I wasn't even hoping to see you for another few weeks or so." "Just this minute arrived--thought it about time I looked you up again," returned Sandy cheerfully.

"I met Trenby about a mile away and scattered his horses and hounds to the four winds of heaven with my stink-pot." "Yes," agreed Nan reminiscently.

"Why does your car smell so atrociously, Sandy ?" "It's only in slow movements--never in a presto.