"About Mr. Mannering, indeed," she repeated. "Why do you ask me such a
question?"

The girl hesitated.

"Do you really want to know, mother?" she asked.

"Of course!"

"When Mr. Mannering was here last," Hester said, "he asked me whether Sir
Leslie Borrowdean was a friend of yours. I fancy that they are political
acquaintances, but I don't think that they are on very good terms."

Mrs. Phillimore laid down the mirror and yawned.

"Well, there's nothing very strange about that," she declared. "Lawrence
isn't the sort to get on with many people, especially since he went and
buried himself in the country. How pale you are looking, child. Why don't
you go and take a walk, instead of hammering away at that old typewriter?
Any one would think that you had to do it for a living!"

"I prefer to earn my own living," the girl answered, "and I am not in the
least tired. Tell me, are you going to see Sir Leslie Borrowdean again,
mother?"

The woman on the couch smoothed her hair once more, with a smile of
gratification.

"Sir Leslie has asked me to join a small party of friends for dinner at