"Very likely," she said imperturbably. "I daresay he had to attend to some business too."
"Adrien is very changeable," Vermont said reflectively, "one can never count on his movements; following him is like wild duck shooting, down the river on Monday, and up the Fens on Tuesday. I'm sorry I missed him, though, for I have several papers which he must see."
Lady Constance tried to appear sympathetic.
"It is a pity you weren't earlier," she said with a smile. "Still, I daresay you know where to find him."
"Oh, yes," returned Mr. Vermont, glancing at her from the corner of his eye, as he aimed his second shaft. "He will be either with Miss Lester or her ladyship; he fluctuates between these two points of happiness as a rule."
Lady Constance did not appear perturbed in any way by this news.
"Lady Merivale is a charming woman," she said briefly. "But who is Miss Lester?"
"She is also a charming woman," was the smooth reply; "but with the difference that she is unattached--save to the theatre."
"Oh! an actress!" exclaimed his companion with patrician contempt. "That reminds me," she continued. "What is your last success at the Casket?"
"My success," echoed Mr. Vermont, with an air of pained astonishment.