“Birthplace of the simple country maiden,” suggested Socks.

“I wonder now,” said Lady Coote, “where Mr. Thesiger is?”

“He’s in the billiard-room, I think,” said Socks. “I’ll fetch him.”

She went off, but had hardly gone a minute when Rupert Bateman appeared upon the scene, with the harassed and serious air usual to him.

“Yes, Lady Coote? Thesiger said you were asking for me. How do you do, Lady Eileen⁠—”

He broke off to greet the two girls, and Loraine immediately took the field.