They passed into the reception-room, and came face to face with Brooks.
She held out her hand.
"Come, you have no right here," she declared. "You are not even a
Member of Parliament." He laughed.
"What about you?"
"Oh, I am an inspiration!"
"I don't believe," he said, "that you realize in the least what is going to happen."
"I do!" she answered. "I am going to make you relieve Lord Hennibul, and take me to have an ice."
They moved off together. Hennibul stood looking after them for a moment. Then he sighed and turned slowly away.
"If it's Arranmore," he said to himself, "why on earth doesn't he marry her?"
Lady Caroom was more silent than usual. She complained of a headache, and Brooks persuaded her to take champagne instead of the ice.
"What is the matter with you to-night?" she asked, looking at him thoughtfully. "You look like a boy—with a dash of the bridegroom."