“It doesn’t matter in the least,” Nigel answered in his cheery way.
Nigel was looking exceedingly at ease, and happy, though the manner was really assumed to-day. He was very smartly dressed, with light gloves and a buttonhole of violets, and looked a gay contrast to Percy, with his unusually rough hair and solemn expression.
“I was very interested. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a barrister’s chambers before. Jolly rooms you’ve got here. What a charming place the Temple is. … Well! I’ve been simply dying of curiosity,” he went on, with a pleasant smile.
“Sit down,” said Percy. “Have a cigarette?”
Nigel lighted up. Percy did not.
“It’s not very pleasant what I want to say to you. It’s simply that I don’t want you to come to our house any more.”
Nigel looked surprised and coloured slightly.
“And may I ask your reason?”
“I don’t see why I should give it, but I will. I don’t wish you to see my wife any more.”
“This is very extraordinary, Kellynch! Why?”