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 "N—no. Scarcely. I've been over there sometimes for the day, from Orpington."

"A friend of mine lives there—a Mr. Merton. He wrote to me to-day. He's come back from the Colonies and bought a place there. It's funny to hear from an old friend, suddenly. It makes me feel quite funny, really."

She did not sound funny. Her voice was high-pitched with agitation. Lydia had been told all about Mrs. Tottenham's friends, and seldom listened. But she did not remember Mr. Merton.

"He wants to come and see us. I really hardly like, you know, to suggest the idea to Mr. Tottenham."

"I thought you'd all your friends in common. How well these night-dresses have washed! They must have laundered nicely at the Hydro."

"Ah, but this is different, you see." She laughed a little conscious laugh. "Mr. Merton was a particular friend of mine. I—Mr. Tottenham didn't used to know him."

"I see," said Lydia vaguely. "A friend of yours before your marriage."