Mrs. Willoughby was interrupted by the appearance of Stubbs bringing in the tea. "Is Mrs. Darche at home if any one calls, Stubbs?" she inquired. "No, madam. Mrs. Darche is upstairs and not at home." He paused a moment to see whether Mrs. Willoughby meant to say anything more, and then left the room. "Dear Mrs. Willoughby, I do so want to ask you a question," said Dolly, beginning to pour the tea. "What is it, my dear?" "One lump or two?" inquired Dolly with hesitation. "Is that all?" asked Mrs. Willoughby with a slight laugh. "Not quite," answered Dolly. "Do you take milk?" "Please, and one lump. What is the question, child?" "No," said Dolly, laughing herself. "It was foolish and inquisitive, and all sorts of horrid things. I think I had better not ask it." "About Marion and Mr. Brett?" "Why?" Dolly asked, looking up quickly, and then hesitating. "Is there anything? I mean--yes, that is what I meant to ask." "Well, my dear," answered Mrs. Willoughby in a confidential tone, "to tell the truth I am glad to talk to somebody about it, for it is on my mind, and you know that Marion does not like to answer questions." "Yes, I know. Well, so you think there is something between them?" "My dear, of course there is," said Mrs. Willoughby without hesitation. "And I am quite sure that something has happened lately. In fact, I believe they are engaged to be married." "Do you really? And--and--where does Mr. Vanbrugh come in?" "Mr. Vanbrugh? I am sure I do not know. Perhaps he will be Harry Brett's best man." "If they could see themselves as others see them," reflected Dolly under her breath, before she answered the remark. "They would make a handsome couple, would they not? But you are quite mistaken, dear Mrs. Willoughby--oh, you are quite--quite mistaken." She looked down and sipped her tea. "How do you know that?" asked Mrs. Willoughby. "How can you be so sure? Do you not see how they go on together, always sitting in corners and talking in undertones?" "Do you not see how Marion spoils Mr. Vanbrugh, and gets his special brand of cigarettes for him, and always asks him to dinner to fill up a place, and altogether behaves like an idiot about him? You must be blind if you do not see that. Let me give you another cup of tea?" "Thanks, I have not finished," said Cousin Annie. "Of course, my dear child, no two people ever look at things from the same point of view, but I was thinking--" Stubbs opened the door again. "Mr. Vanbrugh," he announced. "He knew you were here, my dear," said Mrs. Willoughby in a whisper. "He has come to see you." "Will you be good-natured and forgive my spoiling your tea?" asked Vanbrugh, as he entered the room. "We will try," said Dolly. "Sit down," said Mrs. Willoughby, "and have some with us." "Thanks," answered Vanbrugh. "I am even ruder than I seem, for I am in a hurry. Do you think I could see Mrs. Darche? For a minute?" "I daresay," replied Cousin Annie, doubtfully.