The whole thing is beyond me." "Well, what is to be done ?" said Diana, after a pause, during which they looked blankly at one another.
"I must think.

My head is too confused just now with this conflicting evidence to plan any line of action.

As a relief, let us examine your friend and hear what she has to say." Diana assented, and touched the bell.

Shortly, Miss Tyler appeared, ushered in by a nervous waiter, to whom it would seem she had addressed a sharp admonition on his want of deference.

Immediately on entering she pounced down on Miss Vrain like a hawk on a dove, pecked her on both cheeks, addressed her as "my dearest Di," and finally permitted herself, with downcast eyes and a modest demeanour, to be introduced to Lucian.
It might be inferred from the foregoing description that Miss Tyler was a young and ardent damsel in her teens; whereas she was considerably nearer forty than thirty, and possessed an uncomely aspect unpleasing to male eyes.