f Major
Humphreys as a companion filled her with suspicion. Never before had
such an invitation been given on Erskine's initiative; on more than one
occasion, indeed, he had confessed that he found the Major a bore, and
had expressed surprise at his mother's liking for so dull a man.

Mrs Fanshawe had never found the Major dull, since he shared with
enthusiasm her own passion for gardening, and was a most valuable
adviser and assistant. Together they had planned the flagged path
winding low between the high banks of the rock garden, together they had
planted the feathery white arenaria calearica in the crevices of the
steps leading upward to the pergola, together they had planned the
effect of clusters of forget-me-not, and red tulips among the long
grasses in the orchard. There was never any dearth of conversation
between Major Humphreys and Mrs Fanshawe, and a stroll round the rose
garden might easily prolong itself into a discussion lasting a couple of
hours. Hence came the suspicion, or Erskine knew as much, and had
deliberately invited this man before any one of his own friends.
Despite all appearance to the contrary, Mrs Fanshawe felt convinced
that "the bore" had been brought down to engage her own attention, and
so leave her son free to follow his own devices. She set her lips, and
determined on a counter move.

A _partie carree_ was dangerous under the circumstances; safety lay in a
crowd. That evening when Mrs Fanshawe retired to dress for dinner, the
telephone in her boudoir was used to ring up all the big houses in the
neighbourhood, invitations were given galore for tennis, for dinner, for
lunch; and return invitations were accepted without consultation with
her son. At the end of half an hour she hung up the receiver, satisfied
that Erskine's opportunities for _tete-a-tetes_ would be few. Perhaps
also time would suggest some excuse for shortening the girl's visit to
the ten days originally planned. She must think it out, put her wits to
work. Claire was a pretty creature and a delightful companion, but a
nobody, and poor into the bargain. She could not be allowed to upset a
cherished plan!

During dinner Mrs Fanshawe alluded casually to the coming gaieties, and
mentally paid a tribute of admiration to the _aplomb_ with which Claire
listened, and smiled, betraying not a flicker of surprise at the sudden
change of programme. The good lady was so pleased with the result of
her own scheming, tha