"Everybody else I've met has been horribly afraid of Mr Disney," she said in a half-whisper.
"Oh, you aren't in a funk of a man who's smacked your head!"
That seemed a better paradox than most. Mina nodded approvingly.
"What does the Bank say about Barililand, Theo?" called Disney. Lord Hove paused in the act of drinking a glass of wine.
"Well, they're just wonderin' who's goin' to do the kickin'," said Theo.
"And who's going to take it?" Disney seemed much amused. Lord Hove had turned a little pink. Mina had a vague sense that serious things were being joked about. Harry had turned from his hostess and was listening.
"That's what it comes to," concluded Theo.
Disney glanced round, smiling grimly. Everybody had become silent. Barililand had produced the question on which Lord Hove was supposed to be restive. Disney laughed and looked at his wife. She rose from the table. Mr Disney had either learnt what he wanted or had finished amusing himself. Mina did not know which; no more, oddly enough, did Lord Hove.
Mr Disney was by the door, saying good-by to the ladies; he would not be coming to the drawing-room.