“Really now,” said Bannister; “that’s most interesting. And what happened after the Bank scandal?”
Ross shrugged his broad shoulders non-committally but the movement was expressive. “The lady didn’t appear to be anything like so keen—at least rumour has it so.”
Bannister eyed Anthony significantly. Evidently an idea was beginning to assume very definite shape within his mind. “I see,” he said quietly. “The family reputation was tarnished—eh?”
“Possibly,” smiled back Ross; “the Delaneys were always people to hold their heads high.”
He gave Anthony the impression that he was very much more inclined to be confidential than to be reserved. But Mr. Bathurst kept quiet—he was content to let Bannister do the questioning.
“And after that?” continued Bannister, “was there another Richmond in the field? Another lover—eh?”
“I can’t answer that,” declared Ross. “Local gossip hasn’t reached that stage yet.”
“But it’s quite likely—eh——?” urged Bannister.
“I should imagine so—considering what a charming girl Miss Delaney was.”
“H’m—what sort of a chap is this Alan Warburton—pretty steady? Or does he inherit the tendencies of Sir Felix?”