They talked for a moment upon immaterial topics, and then Mr. Benoliel turned to Harry Rames:
"So it is all settled, I hear."
"Practically," replied Rames. "I have still to be formally adopted as prospective candidate by the Three Hundred, but that will be done at a meeting on Monday night."
"Then there is no longer any reason why we should keep the matter secret, especially from Miss Daventry, who lives not five miles from your constituency. Cynthia," and both men turned toward her, "Captain Rames is going to stand for Ludsey at the next election."
Captain Rames smiled modestly, expecting congratulations. He liked congratulations, especially from pretty girls, but he was disappointed. He saw only a wrinkle of perplexity upon Cynthia's forehead and a shadow in her eyes.
"Why?" she asked.
"You disapprove?" said Rames.
Cynthia drew back.
"I have no right to disapprove," she said coldly, and Harry Rames planted himself sturdily on both his feet in front of her.
"Nevertheless you do," he insisted.