"You mean," she said, "that if you should be at Valley House when the
_thing_ happens, and we are puzzled and upset about it, you might be able
to help?"
"The fancy passed through my head. It was the picture in the crystal
suggested it," Madalena explained. "Do have an eclair!" Face and voice
expressed indifference; but Constance knew that the other had set her
heart on being at Valley House for Easter; and there was really no
visible reason why she shouldn't be there.
People liked her well enough: she was never a bore.
"Well, you must be 'in at the death,' with the rest of us," Lady
Annesley-Seton assured her. "Of course, though it's my house, this
Easter party is practically the Nelson Smiths' affair. You know what
poverty-stricken wretches _we_ are! They are paying all expenses, and
taking the servants, so I suppose I am bound to go through the form of
consulting Anne before I ask even _you_. Still----"
Madalena's eyes flamed. "Consult your cousin's husband!" she said. "It is
only _he_ who counts. As a favour to me, speak to him."
Constance smiled at the other over her teacup, with a narrowed gaze.
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