"At mother's. Long ago. I'm sure you met him. He's an old friend of the family."
"How do you do, sir," Ramsey echoed, rising. The men shook hands. Aubrey stared at the dapper, high-strung figure with its flushed face and cool attire and tried to remember the man.
"If you'll pardon me," he smiled.
"Certainly, Aubrey."
"See you again, I hope," said Aubrey. Ramsey assented with a curious enthusiasm, accenting the situation uncomfortably. Fanny frowned and watched her husband walk to the stairs. As his steps died the two returned to their chairs.
"Oh it's hot," Fanny murmured. "Can't you go away till next month. I'm almost beside myself."
Her voice was low. Ramsey listened with disdain.
"And besides," she continued in a whisper, "I've given you all I can get. I haven't any more money."
"Money!" Ramsey snorted. "I'm not talking about money. I'm not asking for any." He stood up and frowned indignantly at her.
"I know, but—"