"True!" she declared. "I admire Mr. Morrison for his outspokenness."
"Well, that is why I never entered society," Mrs. Morrison said, with a sigh.
"But why don't you see a little more of life?" Ena suggested. "You appear, from what you say, to be buried alive at Carsphairn!"
"I see but very few people, but I take a great interest in the estate, and I have a few shooting parties--mostly friends of my late husband."
"Why not come to London for a month or so? Go to the theatres and restaurants, and have an enjoyable time? I do, and I find that I'm amused and meet many interesting people. You are going to Brighton. Why not remain in London for a bit after your visit there?" the Red Widow suggested. "I know a good many people, and I think you would have a nice time. Besides, you would do shopping also. Paris and London are the only places where one can buy anything decent to wear nowadays."
"You are really very good, Mrs. Pollen, to offer to entertain me in London," she declared. "Of course, I have other engagements, but----"
"Oh, but those can be broken. If you are going to Brighton, make a stay in London on your return. I live in Upper Brook Street. Do you know it?"
"Oh yes. I once, long ago, had a friend who lived there. I know it quite well."
"I have only a small flat, otherwise I would offer you hospitality."
"Oh--no," said the widow. "I can easily stay at the Carlton, the Ritz, or somewhere."
"Then think it over," said the pleasant woman from London.
"Yes, I will," replied the other. "We have many things in common, I believe, and I am sure that we shall be good friends."
"I'm delighted to hear that your thoughts coincide with my own. I make very few new acquaintances; I have so many old friends."
"And I make none. Not that I'm at all exclusive, I hope. But the majority of women I meet I find too shallow and frivolous, and they don't attract me."
"Then I consider myself highly honoured!" laughed Ena, as the pair rose to walk back to the Crianlarich Hotel to tea.
And while Mrs. Morrison of Carsphairn, ignorant of what was in progress, believed that she really had found a delightful friend--a woman after her own heart--the Red Widow smiled within herself, highly gratified at her success.