The owner of the laugh rose from her seat, and almost instantly turned to the door, revealing to Clodagh's curious eyes a strong, energetic face, redeemed from ugliness by a pair of intensely intelligent eyes and a mouth that displayed strong white teeth. It was the somewhat disconcerting face of a clever woman to whom life represents an undeniable--if an invigorating--struggle. Seeing the little group by the doorway, she hurried forward with an almost masculine assurance. "You poor, dear people!" she exclaimed in her strong voice. "A thousand apologies! We were on the point of finishing a most exciting rubber----" Her voice broke off short, as her eyes rested on Clodagh. "Who is this, Barny?" she asked interestedly. Barnard stepped forward, laying his hand smilingly on Clodagh's arm. "This, my dear Frances," he said, "is a new friend that I want you to make! The wife of an old friend of mine. You may have met her husband--Mr. Milbanke--one of the Somerset Milbankes. Poor Sammy knew him well." Lady Frances Hope puckered her strong, assertive eyebrows. "I believe I do remember meeting a Mr. Milbanke, but I scarcely think----" She looked scrutinisingly at Clodagh. "Oh yes, it's the same!--it's the same!" Barnard's interruption was somewhat hasty. "Mr. Milbanke is a great archaeologist. He and Mrs. Milbanke are only in Venice for a week. I had intended bringing you to call formally at their hotel; but circumstances----" Here Clodagh broke in. "You must please, please forgive my doing such a very extraordinary thing as this," she said. "It was all Mr. Barnard's fault----" But Lady Frances Hope cut the explanation short by holding out her hand. "You are extremely welcome!" she said cordially. "And if the truth must be told, I owe you a debt of gratitude for saving me an afternoon call. It's a hundred times pleasanter to meet like this. Now, let me see! You play bridge, of course. We can make up another four." She glanced over her guests with an organising eye. Clodagh stepped forward deprecatingly and cast a beseeching look at Barnard. But in the slight pause that followed, it was Lord Deerehurst who came to her rescue. "Mrs. Milbanke has just been confessing to us that she never plays cards," he said smoothly. "If you will go on with your game, Lady Frances, I shall do my best to amuse her." He turned his unemotional glance from one to the other. The surprise that his announcement had brought to their hostess's face, changed instantly to an expression of hospitality. "No!--no, indeed!" she cried. "I would infinitely prefer to talk to Mrs. Milbanke. Come!" she added, smiling at Clodagh. "Come and let me introduce you to these bridge-playing people. Perhaps they will convert you." She laughed, and followed by the four, moved across the salon.