Page:Herbert Jenkins - Patricia Brent Spinster.djvu/187

 "You will discover for yourself later. We are all dining at the Quadrant to-night at eight."

"Dining at the Quadrant?" repeated Patricia in amazement.

"Yes, and I have to get home to dress and you have to dress and I will pick you up in a taxi at a quarter to eight."

"But—but—Peter—your brother said that he was coming"

"Peter has greater faith in his sister than in himself, he therefore took me into his confidence and I am his emissary." "Oh, you Bowens, you Bowens!" moaned Patricia in mock despair.

"There is no avoiding us, I confess," said Lady Tanagra gaily. "Now I must tell you about your charming aunt. She called upon mother yesterday."

"What!" gasped Patricia.

"She called at Grosvenor Square and announced to poor, un-understanding mother that she thought the families ought to know one another. But she got rather badly shocked by Godfrey and one of the soldier boys, whom we call 'Uncle,' and left with the firm conviction that our circle is a pernicious one." "It's—it's—perfectly scandalous!" cried Patricia.

"No, it's not as bad as that," said Lady Tanagra calmly

"What?" began Patricia. "Oh! I mean