The book fell into one of the heat cracks which Lady Lydiard had noticed as evidence of the neglected condition of the cottage lawn.
"You ought to hear the pleasant news my sister has just brought me," said Hardyman, when Isabel joined him in the parlor.

"Mrs.Drumblade has been told, on the best authority, that my mother is not coming to the party." "There must be some reason, of course, dear Isabel," added Mrs.
Drumblade.

"Have you any idea of what it can be?
I haven't seen my mother myself; and all my inquiries have failed to find it out." She looked searchingly at Isabel as she spoke.

The mask of sympathy on her face was admirably worn.

Nobody who possessed only a superficial acquaintance with Mrs.Drumblade's character would have suspected how thoroughly she was enjoying in secret the position of embarrassment in which her news had placed her brother.