"While poor Robin got badly wounded and gassed into the bargain," said Ann. "That's why I'm so glad he's got this post. The doctors told him that an out-door job was his one chance of getting really strong again." "Yes, I'm very glad--for you," answered Lady Susan ruefully. "But I shall miss you badly, child. However, if Robin wants you he must have you, and as he wants you to go as soon as possible I should think the best plan is for you to travel back to England with Philip and Tony next week." It was typical of Lady Susan that she wasted no time in repining, but promptly proceeded to sketch out a definite plan of action. "But what about you?" asked Ann with some concern. "I'll come with you all as far as Paris, and there you can drop me to do some shopping. I shall stay two or three weeks, I expect." Ann's face still remained clouded. She felt that it was hardly fair to desert Lady Susan so suddenly, much as she longed to join Robin as speedily as possible. "Are you sure you wouldn't rather I stayed with you a little longer?" she suggested earnestly. "I'm sure Robin could manage for a few weeks--especially as he will have Maria Coombe." Lady Susan's quick dark eyes flashed over her. "Who is Maria Coombe?" she demanded. Ann laughed. "Maria Coombe is a host in herself," she answered. "She's an old Devonshire servant who was with my mother originally. I believe she came to Lovell when she was about eighteen as kitchen-maid. Then, when Robin and I were kiddies she was our nurse, and after we grew too old to need one she stayed on in a sort of general capacity. I never remember life without Maria until she got married. Her husband was killed in the war, and now she's coming to Oldstone Cottage to look after us. I'm so delighted about it," she added. "It will be like old times having Maria around again." "That's really nice for you," agreed Lady Susan heartily. "Still, I think"--smiling--"Robin will be glad to have his sister, too. And you needn't worry about me in the least. I've heaps of friends in Paris. Besides, Brett Forrester--my scapegrace nephew--is there now, and he and I always amuse each other." "Tony knows him, doesn't he? He mentioned having met him in London, I remember." "Yes. I believe they both belong to the same gambling set in town--more's the pity!" replied Lady Susan, with grim disapproval. "The only difference between them being that Brett gambles and can afford to do it, while Tony gambles--and can't. I haven't seen Brett for a long time now," she went on musingly. "Not since last August, when he was yachting and put in at Silverquay Bay for a few days. He's always tearing about the world, though he rarely troubles to keep me informed of his whereabouts. I wish to goodness he'd marry and settle down!"