"Yes," she replied, looking at him blandly. "I saw that your charming friend Mrs. Larrabee is leaving."
Edgar looked around quickly. "Yes, she's leaving. I bade her good-bye last night."
"Is that why you wish to smoke all the time?" asked Violet, with cooing gentleness.
"All the time! Great Scott! I've had just one cigarette since I got up."
"You said you had just come from the smoking-room."
"Yes, but I hadn't been in. That's the trouble. I'm cutting it out."
"Why? Have you made a virtuous vow?"
"I'm afraid I'm in no mood for joking this morning." Edgar frowned and twisted his mustache.
Violet spoke with laughing sweetness.