* * * * *

The winter day was nearly gone when they reached their destination. But
there was just light enough, as they stepped out of the carriage, to
show a large modern building, built of red brick, with many gables and
bow-windows, and a generally restless effect. As they followed the
butler through the outer hall, a babel of voices made itself heard, and
when he threw open the door into the inner hall, they found themselves
ushered into a large party.

There was a pleased exclamation from a tall fair man standing near the
fire, who came forward at once to meet them.

"So glad to see you! But we hoped for you earlier! Mother, here is Miss
Mallory."

Lady Lucy, a woman of sixty, still slender and stately, greeted them
kindly, Mrs. Colwood was introduced, and room was made for the
new-comers in the circle round the tea-table, which was presided over by
a lady with red hair and an eye-glass, who gave a hand to Diana, and a
bow, or more precisely a nod, to Mrs. Colwood.

"I'm Oliver's sister--my name's Fotheringham. That's my
cousin--Madeleine Varley. Madeleine, find me some cups! This is Mr.
Ferrier--Mr. Ferrier, Miss Mallory.--expect you know Lady Niton.--Sir
James Chide, Miss Mallory.--Perhaps that'll do to begin with!" said Mrs.
Fotheringham, carelessly, glancing at a further group of people. "Now
I'll give you some tea."