t bewildered by the suddenness with which Lady Peggy had
descended upon her. She scarcely listened to the flow of small talk
she kept up. She was conscious that Elton's hand was constantly at the
salute, and that Lady Peggy seemed to be indulging in a series of
continuous bows.

"Oh! do let's get away somewhere," cried Lady Peggy at length. "My
neck aches, and I feel my mouth will set in a silly grin. Why on earth
do we know so many people, Goddy? Do you know," she added
mischievously, "I'd love to have a big megaphone and stand on a chair
and cry out who you are. Then everybody would flock round, because
they all want to know who it is that has captured Peter the Hermit, as
we call him." She looked at Patricia appraisingly. "I think I can
understand now," she said.

"Understand what?" said Patricia.

"What it is in you that attracts Peter."

Patricia gasped. "Really," she began.

"Yes, we girls have all been trying to make love to Peter and fuss over
him, whereas you would rather snub him, and that's very good for Peter.
It's just the sort of thing that would attract him." Then with another
sudden change she turned to Elton and said, "Goddy, in future I'm going
to snub you, then perhaps you'll love me."

Patricia laughed outright. She felt strongly drawn to this
inconsequent child-girl. She found herself wondering what would be the
impression she would create upon the Galvin House coterie, who would
find all their social and moral virtues inverted by such directness of
speech. She could see Miss Wangle's internal struggle, disapproval of
Lady Peggy's personality mingling with respect for her rank.

"Oh, there's Tan!" Lady Peggy broke in upon Patricia's thoughts "Goddy,
call to her, shout, wave your hat. Haven't you got a whistle?"

But Lady Tanagra had seen the party, and was coming towards them
accompanied by Mr. Triggs.

Lady Peggy danced towards Lady Tanagra. "Oh, Tan, I've found her!" she
cried, nodding to Mr. Triggs, whom she appeared to know.

"Found whom?" enquired Lady Tanagra.

"Patricia. The captor of St. Anthony, and we're going to be friends,
and she's coming to lunch with me to meet Daddy, and Goddy's coming
too, so don't you dare to carry him off. Oh, Mr. Triggs! isn't it a
lovely day," she cried, turning to Mr. Triggs, who, hat in hand, was
mopping his brow.

"Beautiful, me dear, beautiful," he exclaimed, beaming upon her and
turning to shake hands with Patricia. "Well, m