Trent nodded. He knew something about the scientist.
“I have not found him very formidable so far,” Alistair said cheerfully.
His brother’s hint had made an impression on him nevertheless. He had suspected for some time that it would not be all plain sailing with Sir Bernard Vanbrugh, and this confirmation of his fears from another quarter depressed him considerably.
Trent was satisfied. He saw that his brother had not yet spoken to Hero’s father, although he might have spoken to Hero.
The Duchess was waiting at the villa to welcome her eldest son. Almost the first thing she said to him was:
“I have asked the Vanbrughs to dine here to-night. I thought you would like to see your old friend Hero.”
“Yes, I should like to see her,” the Home Secretary replied impassively.
The suspicious glance which Alistair darted at him was met and repelled by the Minister’s reserve.
“I shouldn’t wonder if you liked Sir Bernard too,” the Duchess added. “He is an extraordinary man. He seems to know almost all about everything.”
“I have met him,” Trent said, with the same cold indifference. “He impressed me as an extremely able man—a man of strong character.”