up. This
led to my introducing Peter and--well all the rest is quite easy."

"But--but there isn't any rest," said Patricia. "Don't you see how
horribly awkward it is? I'm supposed to be engaged to him."

"Oh!" said Lady Tanagra quietly, "that's a matter for you and Peter to
settle between you. I'm afraid I can't interfere there. All I can do
is to explain how you and he came to know each other; and now we had
better be getting on as your aunt will not be pleased if you keep her
waiting. What I propose to do is to pick her up and take her up to the
Quadrant where we shall find Peter."

"But," protested Patricia, "that's simply getting us more involved than
ever."

"Well, I'm afraid it's got to be," said Lady Tanagra, smiling
mischievously; "it's much better that they should meet at the Quadrant
than at Galvin House, where you say everybody is so catty."

Patricia saw the force of Lady Tanagra's argument, and they were soon
whirling on their way towards Galvin House. She wanted to pinch
herself to be quite sure that she was not dreaming. Everything seemed
to be happening with such rapidity that her brain refused to keep pace
with events. Why had she not met these people in a conventional way so
that she might preserve their friendship? It was hard luck, she told
herself.

"Would you mind telling me what you propose doing?" enquired Patricia.

"I promised Peter to gather up the pieces," was the response. "All
you've got to do is to remain quiet."

Lady Tanagra brought the car up in front of Galvin House with a
magnificent sweep. Gustave, who had been on the watch, swung open the
door in his most impressive manner.

As Patricia and Lady Tanagra entered the lounge, Miss Wangle and Mrs.
Mosscrop-Smythe were addressing pleasantries to a particularly grim
Miss Brent.

"Oh, here you are!" Miss Brent's exclamation was uttered in such a
voice as to pierce even the thick skin of Miss Wangle, who having
instantly recognised Lady Tanagra, retired with Mrs. Mosscrop-Smythe a
few yards, where they carried on a whispered conversation, casting
significant glances at Lady Tanagra, Miss Brent and Patricia.

"I told Patricia that it was time the families met," said Lady Tanagra,
"and so I insisted on coming when I heard you were to be here."

"I think you are quite right."

Patricia was surprised at the change in her aunt. Much of her usual
uncompromising downrightness had been shed, and she appeared almost
g