She looked incredibly young to be the mother of the slim youth who followed her.

The youth was Maurice Ilbert.

His mother, Mrs.Ilbert, was well known as one of the most brilliant and exclusive hostesses in fine London circles.

Now she was holding Mary's two hands in her own grey-gloved ones.
"I insisted that my son should bring me to see you, Miss Gray," she was saying with _empressement_.

"I hope you will excuse my descending on you like this.