She was still brooding rather unhappily over Tony's affairs when Robin came
to claim her for a dance. He, too, seemed rather preoccupied and distrait,
and as they swung out into the room together Ann cast about in her mind
for some explanation of his unwonted gloom. A minute later she caught an
illuminating glimpse of Cara, sitting alone by the big fire which still
smouldered redly at the far end of the room, and a queer little smile of
understanding curved her lips.
"You've only danced with Cara once this evening, Robin," she observed.
"Have you been squabbling?"
He laughed.
"Not likely. But Lady Susan caught me and trotted me round for some duty
dances, and by the time those were fixed Cara had booked up a lot and we
couldn't make our programmes fit."
On a quick, sympathetic impulse Ann pulled up near one of the doorways,
drawing him aside out of the throng of dancers with a light touch on his
arm.
"Then go and ask her for this," she said hastily. "She's not dancing it.
And I--I'm really rather tired. I'd love a few minutes' rest." She gave him
a little push, and before he could say yea or nay she had vanished through
the doorway, leaving him free to secure at least one more dance with Mrs.
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