'Oh, it isn't one of those things, Landi.'
'Not? Are you sure? Don't be sad, Edith. Be cheerful. Tiens! Tiens! Tiens! How excited you are,' he went on, as she looked at him with perfect composure.
'You will think I have reason to be excited when I tell you.'
He smiled in an experienced way.
'I'll sit next to you at dinner and you shall tell me everything. Tiens! La vieille qui voit double!' He bowed politely as Madame Frabelle came up.
'Dear Sir Tito, what a pleasure to see you again! Your lovely songs have been ringing in my ears ever since I heard them!'
'Where did you hear them? On a piano-organ?' he asked.
'You're too bad! Isn't he naughty? No, when you sang here last.'
Mr Mitchell came up, and Madame Frabelle turned away.
'Dieu merci! La pauvre! Elle me donne sur les nerfs ce soir,' said
Landi. 'I shall sit next to you whether the cards are placed so or not,
Edith, and you'll tell me everything between the soup and the ices.'