"It seems to me," said Sylvia, "the most unnatural, treacherous thing I ever heard of."
She and Woodville were sitting in the library together after breakfast, and he had just told her of Ridokanaki's invitation.
"Besides, I thought you hated him, Frank!"
"If we only dined with people we like, we should practically starve in London."
"But why dine with my enemies?"
"He worships the ground you tread on."
"Then it's all the worse! He wants to spoil our happiness for his own selfish purpose. You know that, and yet you go!"
"Darling, beautiful angel, do let me use my own judgment! I want to hear what he has to say. Don't be angry, Sylvia. I couldn't very well refuse on the ground that he was in love with you, when we—you and I—are not officially—you see, dearest! Of course, it's better I should go."
The door opened slowly and Sir James came in like a procession, and sat down slowly, in his stately, urbane manner.
"Excuse me one moment, Sir James," murmured Woodville, and he collected some papers and vanished. Sylvia waited a few minutes and then rose.