They all declared that they would come and see the play; it and it alone seemed to represent her trip to Ora's mind; the legal proceedings and Mr. Hazlewood were not thought of.
"I had lots of fun and no trouble," said Ora.
Ashley Mead gave a sudden short laugh. It made Irene start and she fell to fingering her fan in some embarrassment; Bowdon's smile also was uncomfortable. Ora looked at Ashley with an air of surprise.
"He's laughing at me for something," she said to Irene. "I don't know what. Will you tell me if I come down to supper with you, Ashley?"
She still called him Ashley; Irene was definitely displeased; she thought the use of his first name decidedly unseemly under the circumstances.
"I'll try," said Ashley. Ora took his arm and waved a gay adieu. "Come and see me very soon," she called, and, as she turned away, she shot a glance at Bowdon. "You come too; you haven't been for—" She paused and ended with a laugh. "Well, for almost longer than I can remember."
The supper-room was not very full; they got a little table to themselves and sat down. It was away in a corner: they were in effect alone.
"What were you laughing at? Me?"
"Yes, of course," answered Ashley.