'So do I,' nodded Lady Blixworth heartily.
Barmouth passed rapidly from the dangers of such criticism.
'It is probably essential in the interests of society,' he added, with a return of dignity.
'Oh, probably,' she conceded, with a carelessness appropriate to the subject. 'Do you think there's another man?'
'I beg your pardon, Viola?' He was obviously astonished, and inclined to be offended.
'Any man she liked or had liked, you know?'
'She was engaged to my son.'
That certainly sounded final, but Lady Blixworth was not abashed.
'An engagement is just what brings the idea of the other man back sometimes,' she observed.