“I won’t hear of your leaving,” blurted Ivan. “Of course, I shall go to an hotel.”

Belinda shook her head.

“It’s very kind of you,” she said, “but it can’t be done. For one thing, I don’t think Henri’s available.”

“Thank God for that,” said Ivan fervently. “And of course Dewlap’ll stay. He’s crazy about you.”

“You’re very good,” said Belinda, “but I’m afraid I must go. I think if I were you I should keep the cook on, but Jacques is a wash-out.”

“I—I shan’t stay on if you go.”

Belinda started.

“You—won’t—stay on?” she faltered. “Why on earth not?”

Ivan shifted uneasily.

“Oh, I don’t know,” he said. “Why—why should I?”