"It's a national characteristic, isn't it?
Captain Griffiths," she continued, as she observed his approach, "if you really must go, please take Mr.Lessingham with you.

He is making fun of me.

I don't allow even Dick's friends to do that." Lessingham's disclaimer was in quite the correct vein.
"You must both come again very soon," their hostess concluded, as she shook hands.

"I enjoyed our bridge immensely." The two men were already on their way to the door when a sudden idea seemed to occur to Captain Griffiths.

He turned back.
"By-the-by, Lady Cranston," he asked, "have you heard anything from your brother ?" Philippa shook her head sadly.