 The poor girl looks half-witted. She's shy, I think. I hope Father will find her a comfort. Tell me one thing, Sorrel. Did your father and mother know I was coming? Oh, yes. They were awfully pleased. A rather nice-looking woman came down in a big hat and went into the garden with a young man without saying a word. That was Mother, I expect. We're an independent family. We entertain our friends sort of separately.