It was one day during the first week in August, one of those extremely hot days when it is an effort even to move, that Mrs Aldworth lay panting on her balcony. The trees in the garden were already assuming a brown tint; the flowers were drooping under the sultry heat of the sun; there was a hot quiver in the air when one looked right in front of one. The bees flew in and out of the window; butterflies chased each other over the garden. There was a stillness and yet a heaviness in the air which seemed to betoken a storm not far off. It was just then that there came a ring at the front door, and Nesta in a great state of excitement entered her mother's room. "Marcia," she said, "may I speak to you for a minute?" Marcia, who was doing some light needlework in the neighbourhood of the invalid's sofa, said: "Come in, Nesta, and tell me what it is all about." "But I want to see you by yourself," said Nesta. "My darling," said Mrs Aldworth, "why these constant secrets? Why shouldn't your mothery know?" "Oh, it's Clara Carter--she's downstairs. She wants to talk to you. Oh, and here's a telegram for you." Nesta thrust a little yellow envelope into her sister's hand. Marcia opened it. "It's from Angela," she said. "She's coming to see me in a few minutes. What does Clara want?" "Just to speak to you. Won't you come down?" "Can you spare me, dear?" said Marcia, turning to the invalid. "Yes, of course, Marcia. Go, my dear, and don't hurry back. I feel inclined to ask Miss Angela St Just to come and see me this morning. You have told me so much about her that I should like to see her; she must be a very nice girl." "She is, very nice and very beautiful. She is one of God's angels. Her name is one of the most appropriate things about her," said Marcia. "Do you think she would care to come up to see me?" "She would be delighted, if you are strong enough." "Yes," said Nurse Davenant, "Mrs Aldworth is doing finely to-day. Now, Miss Nesta, if you don't wish to sit down, please leave the room, for your mother cannot be fatigued by your moving about in that restless fashion." Nesta decided that she would leave the room. "I'll go and get some flowers for mothery," she said, glancing at the different flower glasses, and the next minute, making her escape, she overtook Marcia, who was halfway downstairs. "What is it, Nesta, what are you so excited about?" "It's because Clay is coming to ask you something most important I do hope you won't say no. They're all most keenly anxious. Molly and Ethel don't want it, but I do. I promised Penelope when I was there, that I'd do my utmost, but the others are against it." "Whatever can it be?" said Marcia. "Well, you see, the Carters are most anxious to know the St Justs, Angela in particular, and Clara is coming here. Oh, don't go so fast, Marcia, I must tell you. Clara is coming here on purpose, for she guessed that Angela would be coming to see you to-day."