Max poured out whiskey and water for Mr. May.
Alvina sat with her face averted, quiet, but unable to speak to Mr. May. Max and Louis had become polite. Geoffrey stared with his big, dark-blue eyes stolidly at the newcomer. Ciccio leaned with his arms on his knees, looking sideways under his long lashes at the inert Alvina.
“Well,” said Madame, “and are you satisfied with your houses?”
“Oh yes,” said Mr. May. “Quite! The two nights have been excellent. Excellent!”
“Ah—I am glad. And Miss Houghton tells me I should not dance tomorrow, it is too soon.”
“Miss Houghton knows,” said Mr. May archly.
“Of course!” said Madame. “I must do as she tells me.”
“Why yes, since it is for your good, and not hers.”
“Of course! Of course! It is very kind of her.”
“Miss Houghton is most kind—to every one,” said Mr. May.