the lake, but Uncle Philip has ordained that we are to watch the
proceedings from our balcony at the Gloria. After that, I should think
'cousin' will be sufficiently exhausted to contemplate the idea of retiring
to bed like a Christian woman. She's seventy-nine."

"People fox-trot at seventy-nine nowadays," suggested Ann mischievously.
"Perhaps your duties won't end at ten." Then, seeing his face fall: "But
I'll come to the dance, if Lady Susan doesn't happen to want me this
evening."

At that moment Lady Susan herself came into the room. She still limped a
little, leaning on an ebony stick with a gold knob.

"Who's taking my name in vain?" she asked, as she shook hands with Tony.
"I'm sure to want you," addressing Ann, "but I suppose I shall have to go
without you if Tony wants you too."

Ann explained about the dance, adding: "But of course I shan't think of it
if you'd rather I stayed at home."

"Of course you _will_ think of it," contradicted Lady Susan with vigour.
"I'd go myself if it wasn't for this wretched ankle of mine, and
then"--bubbling over--"Philip and I could tread a stately measure together.
I can just see him doing it!" she added wickedly.

"That's fixed, then," said Tony. "So long. I'll call for you about ten
o'clock, Ann."

After lunch Lady Susan and Ann drove off in the two-seater, Ann at the
wheel and a great basket of flowers for ammunition purposes on the floor of