"I can't think of letting
you do anything more. Even if you put things right," she added, smiling, "I
shouldn't have the nerve to drive back. The car spun half round when the
tyre burst, and nearly frightened me to death."
"In any case, I'm afraid there's nothing that I can do," replied Ann,
emerging from her investigations. "You've come out without a jack on
board!"
The other, detecting the amused gleam in her eyes, laughed rather ruefully.
"I dare say I've come out without _anything_ I ought to have!" she
admitted. "My chauffeur was sent for hurriedly to the death-bed of his
wife's aunt or some one, and I just thought I'd come out for a spin this
afternoon and explore the neighbourhood. I never prepared for accidents! I
shall have to walk home, that's all."
"Have you far to go?"
"I live at the Priory. I've only recently arrived there--hence my thirst
for exploration"--smiling.
"Then you must be Mrs. Hilyard." Ann felt she had known it all the time.
"Yes"--pleasantly. "I'm Mrs. Hilyard. Are you one of my new neighbours?"
"A very new one," confessed Ann. "I believe I arrived the same day that you
did. I'm Ann Lovell."
Apparently the name Lovell conveyed nothing to Mrs.
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