Page:Biggers and Ritchie - Inside the Lines.djvu/158

 "To judge by what you have just said it just be instead a great misfortune," she retorted, with a slow smile.

"That is not fair. You know what I mean. Don't imagine I've really forgotten our first meeting under happier conditions than these. I know I'm not clever—I can't make it sound as I would—but I've thought a great deal of you. Miss Gerson—wondering how you were making it in this great war. Perhaps"

Aimer returned at this juncture with the change, which he handed to Woodhouse. He was followed in by Lady Crandall, who assured Jane her hampers were securely strapped to the dog-cart. Jane attempted an introduction.

"This gentleman has just done me a service, Lady Crandall. May I present"

"So sorry. You don't know my name. My clumsiness. Captain Woodhouse." The man bridged the dangerous gap hurriedly. Lady Crandall acknowledged the introduction with a gracious smile.

"Your husband is Sir George" he began.

"Yes, Sir George Crandall, Governor-general of the Rock. And you"