As he spoke there came the sound of footsteps in the hall outside--light,
buoyant steps--and Lady Susan's face brightened.

"That will be Ann," she said. Adding quickly, as though to conclude the
subject they had been discussing: "I warn you, Philip, you're driving the
boy on too tight a rein."

Sir Philip greeted Ann good-humouredly. In spite of the fact that she
showed no disposition to fall in with his wishes and marry Tony, he was
extremely fond of her. She was one of the few people who had never been
afraid of him. She even contradicted him flatly at times, and, like most
autocrats, he found her attitude a refreshing change from that of the
majority of people with whom he came in contact.

"Seen Tony in the town?" he demanded. It was evident the boy was hardly
ever out of his thoughts.

"Yes. We've just been having tea together."

Sir Philip nodded approvingly.

"Excellent, excellent. Keep him out of mischief, like a good girl."

Ann laughed, a shade scornfully, but vouchsafed no answer, and soon
afterwards Sir Philip took his departure.

"The twelve-thirty steamer to-morrow, then, Susan," he said as he shook
hands. "I'll call for you in the car on my way to the _debarcadere_."