"And Mr. Page?" Mr. Page was the agent of the main Coryston estate. "Some time. There was a great deal to settle." "Did you"--the girl fidgeted--"did you tell him about Coryston?" "Certainly. He says there is only one house in the neighborhood he could take--" "He has taken it." Marcia opened her right hand, in which she crushed a telegram. "Bellows has just brought me this." Lady Coryston opened and read it. "Have taken Knatchett for three years. Tell mother." Lady Coryston's lips stiffened. "He has lost no time. He can vex and distress us, of course. We shall have to bear it." "Vex and distress us! I should think he can!" cried Marcia. "Has James been talking to him?" "I dare say," said Lady Coryston, adding, with a slight, sarcastic laugh, "James is a little too sure of being always in the right." From which Marcia guessed that James had not only been talking to Coryston, but also remonstrating with his mother, which no doubt accounted for Lady Coryston's worn-out looks. James had more effect upon her than most people; though never quite effect enough. Marcia stood with one foot on the fender, her gaze fixed on her mother in a frowning abstraction. And suddenly Lady Coryston, lifting her eyes, realized her daughter, and the vision that she made. "You look very well, Marcia. Have I seen that dress before?" "No. I designed it last week. Ah!"--the sound of a distant gong made itself heard--"there's the motor. Well, good night, mother. Take care of yourself and do go to bed soon." She stooped to kiss her mother. "Who's going with you?" "Waggin and James. Arthur may come in. He thinks the House will be up early. And I asked Mr. Lester. But he can't come for the first part." Her mother held her sleeve and looked up, smiling. Lady Coryston's smiles were scarcely less formidable than her frowns. "You expect to see Edward Newbury?" "I dare say. They have their box, as usual." "Well!--run off and enjoy yourself. Give my love to Miss Wagstaffe." "Waggin" was waiting in the hall for Marcia. She had been Miss Coryston's governess for five years, and was now in retirement on a small income, partly supplied by a pension from Lady Coryston. It was understood that when she was wanted to act duenna, she came--at a moment's notice. And she was very willing to come. She lived in an Earl's Court lodging, and these occasional expeditions with Marcia represented for her the gilt on her modest gingerbread. She was a small, refined woman, with a figure still slender, gray hair, and a quiet face. Her dresses were years old, but she had a wonderful knack of bringing them up-to-date, and she never did Marcia any discredit. She adored Marcia, and indeed all the family. Lady Coryston called her "Miss Wagstaffe"--but to the others, sons and daughter, she was only "Waggin." There were very few things about the Coryston family she did not know; but her discretion was absolute. As she saw Marcia running down-stairs her face lit up.