And then the imp sat itself on Beatrix's shoulder. "I wonder you ever bothered to get married," she said, with a little laugh.
All eyes turned upon her. Her audacity was epoch-making.
"It isn't good for man to live alone," said Franklin quietly.
"But you agree with modern thinkers that married people need a holiday from time to time, is that it?"
"Something like that," he replied, showing his teeth.
Beatrix looked round the table. She saw the same expression on the faces of all her party. "When shall we all meet again, do you suppose?"
"The sooner the better," said Franklin, with that touch of old-fashioned courtesy that he must have inherited from his grandfather. "Let's make an engagement to dine together one night at Sherry's during Christmas week. There may be a good deal to talk about by that time."
"I'll be there," said Malcolm.
"And I," said Mrs. Larpent, who had already begun to set the machinery of her brain at work. Many things might be made to happen before Christmas.
"I shall have great pleasure," said Mrs. Keene.