“Ah! You have not heard that? Miss Thompkins gave a—a musical tea in her studio, to celebrate these concerts which are to occur. Musa asked the Foas to come. They consented. It was understood they should bring friends. Thus I went also, and Monsieur Gilman being at my orders that afternoon, he went too. Never have I seen so strange a multitude! But it was amusing. And all Paris has begun to talk of Musa. Miss Thompkins and my uncle became friends on the instant. I assume that it was her eyes. Also those Americans have vivacity, if not always distinction. Do you not think so?”
“Oh, yes! And do you mean to say that on the strength of that he asked her to go yachting?”
“Well, he had called several times.”
“Aren’t you surprised she accepted?” asked Audrey.
“No,” said Madame Piriac. “It is another code, that is all. It is a surprise, but she will be amusing.”
“I’m sure she will,” Audrey concurred. “I’m frightfully fond of her myself.”
They glanced at each other very intimately, like long-established allies who fear an aggression—and are ready for it.
Then steps were heard. Miss Thompkins entered.
“Well,” drawled Miss Thompkins, gazing first at Audrey and then at Madame Piriac. “Of all the loveliest shocks——Say, Musa——”
Behind her stood Musa. It appeared that he had been able to get away by the same train as Tommy.