"Perhaps I was your shield," said Adela. "He doesn't like me."
"Nor you, Loring, I expect?"
Presently Lord Detchmore moved away, leaving Adela and Tom together. They had been together a good deal lately, and their tones showed the intimacy of friendship.
"That man," said Adela quickly, "suspects something. He's a terrible old gossip, although he is a great statesman, of course. Can't you prevent them talking there together?"
"No," said Tom composedly, "I can't; she'd send me away if I went."
"Then I shall go. Why isn't Harry here?"
"He wouldn't come. I've been dining with him at the club."
"He ought to have come."
"I don't believe it would have made any difference."
Adela looked at him for a moment; then she walked swiftly across the room to Maggie Dennison, and held out her hand.