"Upon my word," Lord Arranmore remarked, coldly, "I really don't know why my whim should so much astound you. I took care to explain that I sent it without the slightest sympathy in the cause—merely out of compliment to an acquaintance. It was just a whim, nothing more, I can assure you. I think that I won it at Sandown or something."
"It was not because you were interested in this work, then?" Lady Caroom asked, fearfully.
"Not in the slightest," he answered. "That is to say, sympathetically interested. I am curious. I will admit that. No more."
The colour faded from Lady Caroom's cheeks. She shivered a little and rose to her feet. Brooks' face had hardened.
"We are very much obliged to you for the money," he said. "As for
Lavilette, I had not thought it worth while to reply to him."
Lord Arranmore shrugged his shoulders.
"Nor should I in your place," he answered. "My position is a little different, of course. I am positively looking forward to my next week's Verity. You are leaving now, I see. Good-night!"
"I have kept Mr. Brooks away from his friends," she said, looking at him. "Will you see me to my carriage?"
He offered her his arm with courtly grace. They passed down the crowded staircase together.
"You are looking ill, Philip," she said, softly. "You are not taking care of yourself."