There would be nothing gained, however, by letting Tony know her thoughts,
so she answered him with trenchant disapproval.

"It's not tosh. After all, your first duty is to Lorne and to the tenants.
A good landlord is quite as useful a member of society as a good
architect."

"Oh, if I were doing the actual managing, it would be a different thing,"
acknowledged Tony. "But I don't. He decides everything and gives all the
orders--without consulting me. I just have to see that what he orders is
carried out, and trot about with him, and do the noble young heir stunt for
the benefit of the tenants on my birthday. It's absolutely
sickening!"--savagely.

"Well, don't quarrel with your bread-and-butter," advised Ann. "Or with Sir
Philip. He's not a bad sort in his way."

"Oh, isn't he?"--grimly. "You try living with him! Thank the powers that
be, I shall get a 'day off' to-morrow. He's going over to Evian by the
midday boat. The St. Keliers--blessed be their name!--have asked him to
dine with them--to meet some exiled Russian princess or other."

"Lady Susan is going, too. She's staying the night there. Is Sir Philip?"

"Yes. There's no getting back the same night. This is topping, Ann." Tony's
face had brightened considerably. "Suppose you and I go up to the Dents
de Loup for the afternoon, and then have a festive little dinner at the
Gloria. Will you? Don't have an attack of common sense and say 'no'!"